Puddling Tiger Swallowtail

bugman

June 6th, 2008 at 12:00 am

Categories

first swallowtail
Today I saw the first swallowtail of ‘08 in my yard, and it was doing something strange. It appeared to be drinking moisture from the areas where my dog urinates. I’ve never seen a swallowtail doing this before. What gives? Maybe there are not enough flowers with nectar right now. The lilies are only in bud and all the spring flowers are done. Then I saw the same swallowtail with a fly on its wing! Very unusual, I think. I live in Glassboro, New Jersey, and we’ve had a very warm winter. All the bugs are out in full force, it seems.
Hedy Hadley

Hi Hedy,
This activity is known as Puddling. Many butterflies engage in this activity. Often tens or even hundreds of swallowtails and certain other butterflies will gather around a puddle and drink. Here is what the Wisconsin Natural Resources website has to say about puddling: “Why does puddling occur? No one knows for certain. Many butterfly species feed on flower nectar that provides ample sugar and energy, but is very limited in necessary minerals and ions. Research suggests that the moisture or urine on gravel roads contains dissolved minerals and salt ions, in particular sodium, which may stimulate reproductive development or activate a temperature regulating system to help the young butterflies heat up and keep their cool. Only newly hatched males puddle, hence the name “bachelor parties.” Older males and females do not participate. And only species like sulphurs and swallowtails, whose males patrol territories, engage in puddling. Species like hairstreaks and coppers, whose males perch waiting for females to approach, do not puddle. “