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Wednesday 6 June 2012

Butterflies Enjoying a Drink

It seems that the hot summer sun doesn’t just make us thirsty. Quite often we can see butterflies taking a sip from puddles.

Paris Peacock (Papilio paris)--- a common swallowtail.




Glassy Bluebottle (Graphium cloanthus)---- a rare swallowtail






In fact this behaviour is not intended to satisfy their thirst but to obtain minerals which are essential for reproduction.  Most of the water drinking butterflies are male who then transfer the nutrients to the female through their sperm to improve the quality of her eggs.

Actually in addition to nectar,  many butterflies also rely on other sources of liquid for food. I saw this Red Ring Skirt (Hestina assimilis, Nymphalidae) enjoying tree sap on a Pomelo tree.  






When the dinner was finished, the precious proboscis was carefully curled up for a well deserved rest.





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10 comments:

Bob Bushell said...

Absolutely genius for butterflies, caught in the act of drinking. Brilliant photos.

John @ Beans and I on the Loose said...

Wonderful images. I did not know that about the minerals rather than the water. Now I can impress people with my new found knowledge.
Thanks.

Kirsti said...

Todella kauniit perhoset.

eileeninmd said...

Wow, they are all beautiful butterflies and lovely captures.

Unknown said...

Beautiful and informative!! Boom & Gary of the Vermilon River, Canada.

JRandSue said...

Lovely images,love the colours.
John.

Magia da Inês said...

❤♡ Olá, amigo!
Essas borboletas são tão exóticas, cores lindas!
Bom fim de semana!
Beijinhos.
Brasil
•.¸¸✿⊱╮¸¸.•

Debbie said...

AMAZING close ups!!

Giga said...

Wspaniałe zdjęcia motyli przyłapanych na piciu wody. Za to dziękuję i za to, że ciągle się czegoś nowego i ciekawego dowiaduję. Pozdrawiam.
Great pictures of butterflies caught drinking water. Thank you for this and for the fact that I still learn something new and interesting I learn. Yours.

Liz said...

Amazing!! Your blog is absolutely brilliant!