Today I was looking out the window and saw the first butterfly of the season. So I ran with my camera and took it's picture. Then when I opened it in photoshop and zoomed in, I noticed something, it was a tongue! I search the Internet to see what came up and yes indeed, Butterflies do have tongues. It is very interesting and something most people would never see unless magnified or zoomed in. This butterfly seemed to be trying to drink off the blade of grass, however I am not sure how much moisture was there as snow has been melted and no rain for at least two weeks...maybe I should get the hose out and water my brown lawn.....
.
Did you know...
...that butterflies don't have mouths that allow them to bite or chew?
They, along with most moths have a long straw like structure called a proboscis which they use to drink nectar and juices. When not in use, the proboscis remains coiled like a garden hose.
Some moths, like the Luna moth don't have a proboscis. Their adult lifespan is very short, and they do not eat. They simply seek a mate, reproduce, then die.
The Asian Vampire moth pierces the skin with its strong, sharp proboscis and drinks the blood of animals.
...that butterflies don't have mouths that allow them to bite or chew?
They, along with most moths have a long straw like structure called a proboscis which they use to drink nectar and juices. When not in use, the proboscis remains coiled like a garden hose.
Some moths, like the Luna moth don't have a proboscis. Their adult lifespan is very short, and they do not eat. They simply seek a mate, reproduce, then die.
The Asian Vampire moth pierces the skin with its strong, sharp proboscis and drinks the blood of animals.
Did you know...
...that butterflies taste with their feet?
Their taste sensors are located in the feet, and by standing on their food, they can taste it!
All butterflies have six legs and feet. In some species such as the monarch, the front pair of legs remains tucked up under the body most of the time, and are difficult to see.
Want to learn more: http://www.milkweedcafe.com/fascfacts.html
Hey it's great to see a butterfly. Haven't seen any here yet. We have robins, though. And, yes, there is still a lot of "vagarant" snow in shady places here.
ReplyDeleteFascinating info. I've never heard of vampire butterflies!! Strange. Your little friend looks like a Painted Lady. Sometimes thousands of those little insects migrate through here in the spring. I've seem them so thick in the air that they were a driving hazard. Your butterfly looks like he/she has put a few miles on those wings.
Great photos! We learend all about butterflies in one of our homeschooling lessons years ago when the kids were little. I didn't know there was such a thing as a vampire butterfly though! I don't think I would want one of those landing on me or any of my critters! Ouch!!
ReplyDeleteEric saw the first hatch of ladybugs the other day, but no butterflies yet or even a sighting of our first Robin. We have only had a few spring like days, the rest are a mixture of spring and winter, which we like to call Sprinter!!