Learn why butterflies are attracted to puddles, which ones you might see in soggy areas, and how to create a DIY butterfly puddler.
Learn why butterflies are attracted to puddles, which ones you might see in soggy areas, and how to create a DIY butterfly puddler.
Most of us see backyard butterflies fluttering in bright sunny gardens but, occasionally, you’ll find groups in unexpected places like a patch of mud, sandy riverbank or a DIY puddle station, which is called a butterfly puddler.
Most of us see backyard butterflies fluttering in bright sunny gardens but, occasionally, you’ll find groups in unexpected places like a patch of mud, sandy riverbank or a DIY puddle station, which is called a butterfly puddler.
How to Create a DIY Butterfly Puddler
Help butterflies, especially during dry weather, with a DIY backyard butterfly puddler spot.
1. Find and fill a shallow dish or container with soil or sand. Add a few flat rocks to provide perching spots.
How to Create a DIY Butterfly PuddlerHelp butterflies, especially during dry weather, with a DIY backyard butterfly puddler spot.1. Find and fill a shallow dish or container with soil or sand. Add a few flat rocks to provide perching spots.
1. Pour enough water in the container to moisten the soil, and sprinkle some salt on the surface. Also set out overripe fruit like bananas and oranges.
1. Pour enough water in the container to moisten the soil, and sprinkle some salt on the surface. Also set out overripe fruit like bananas and oranges.
1. Keep the soil moist during the heat of the day, when butterflies are more likely to visit.
1. Keep the soil moist during the heat of the day, when butterflies are more likely to visit.
What Is Butterfly Puddling?
Butterfly puddling is when a butterfly visits and gathers nutrients from a puddle, usually as part of a larger group. A closer look will reveal they are likely males.
What Is Butterfly Puddling?Butterfly puddling is when a butterfly visits and gathers nutrients from a puddle, usually as part of a larger group. A closer look will reveal they are likely males.
“Male butterflies, just like any living creature, are trying to ensure they reproduce,” explains Ryan Fessenden of the Florida Museum of Natural History’s Butterfly Rainforest. “One of the ways they do that is by passing on nutrients, along with genetic material, to the females when they are mating.”
“Male butterflies, just like any living creature, are trying to ensure they reproduce,” explains Ryan Fessenden of the Florida Museum of Natural History’s Butterfly Rainforest. “One of the ways they do that is by passing on nutrients, along with genetic material, to the females when they are mating.”
Where Do Butterflies Puddle?
And it’s not just the mud that attracts butterflies. Like other animals, butterflies need salt in their diet,
Where Do Butterflies Puddle?And it’s not just the mud that attracts butterflies. Like other animals, butterflies need salt in their diet,