February 10th, 2007
feeding a butterfly
In the comments to my earlier post from today, Ruth asked about feeding the Black Swallowtail butterfly that eclosed yesterday. I took these photos this evening to illustrate how to feed a butterfly.
I’m feeding this butterfly using the method shown on the Journey North page. I mixed up a half teaspoon of sugar with 2 teaspoons of water, stirring it until well dissolved. I poured this mixture into a little saucer, then took a small piece of Kleenex and put it into the dish to get it saturated. Then I placed the butterfly on the Kleenex, unrolling its proboscis (the feeding mouthpart) using the straightened end of a paperclip. Once the proboscis was extended and touching the liquid around the Kleenex, the butterfly began to feed. In the pair of photos below, you can see the proboscis rolled up in its non-feeding position (left), and in the feeding position (right) - click on all photos to see larger view.
After the butterfly seemed to be finished feeding, I dipped its feet in some lukewarm water in a little saucer to clean the sugar off, then set it on a dry Kleenex to walk around, and then I released it.
Tags: Black Swallowtail, Papilio polyxenes, feeding butterfly
February 10th, 2007 at 2:19 am
These are incredible photos! Thanks, Bev!
February 10th, 2007 at 2:54 am
Hi! That is really cool–a “pet” butterfly. AND really cool you found out how to feed it. Hope it has a long and happy butterfly life! Celeste
February 10th, 2007 at 3:36 am
I don’t guess you’ll have to unroll the proboscis every time once it learns to feed there?
February 10th, 2007 at 1:21 pm
John - Thanks!
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Celeste - It’ll be interesting to see if it lasts for awhile. It might last a little longer than it would outdoors. In the insect world, it seems very few creatures mange to live for long due to all of the predators.
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Laura - I’m wondering about that too! I was hoping that it would know what to do after a few times.
February 10th, 2007 at 3:16 pm
You do have the most fascinating experiences, bev. It will be very interesting to see how long this Swallowtail lives. It makes me wonder if there are any flowering plants you can get your hands on that might be of interest to this butterfly.
February 10th, 2007 at 3:20 pm
Thanks for the great answer to my question! The butterfly seems so fragile to handle. I can hardly imagine you cleaning its delicate feet!
There is a butterfly conservatory near us in Cambridge ON called Wings of Paradise. I am keen to visit it after seeing your photos.
February 10th, 2007 at 4:00 pm
robin - yes, I’m wondering about its longevity too. I suppose that may depend on how long it feels like feeding on the sugar water brew. I was actually thinking of looking for some flowering plants at the store this weekend. I don’t usually keep plants, but I wouldn’t mind doing so for the butterfly. The only thing I was a little worried about is that purchased plants might have been sprayed with something to kill such things as white flies or the like. If I get anything, I’ll be sure to wash it well before setting it out for the butterfly.
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Ruth - Glad you liked the “answer” to your question. Although butterflies are fragile, if you handle them with care, they’re actually fairly resilient. I find that the main thing is to make sure that they’ve released whatever they’re gripping to with their feet before you try to move them around. I usually try to encourage them to step onto my hand. They can really get those little feet hooked onto things like screen or Kleenex, so you want to be sure they are entirely “unhooked” before you pick them up!
Regarding the butterfly conservatory - I haven’t been to that one, but I believe I’ve heard of it. However, I have been to the annual butterfly exhibit in the greenhouse at Carleton University here in Ottawa. The big exotic butterflies from other parts of the world are quite spectacular.
February 11th, 2007 at 12:08 am
Far out! Do you know its sex? Have you given it a name yet?
February 11th, 2007 at 10:51 am
Very neat, Bev! Good question, Dave.
I was immediately thinking, next step: provide appropriate plant species for laying eggs. Cart before horse - is butterfly female? Can lepidopterans switch sexes? Can they produce fertile eggs through an asexual mechanism like parthenogenesis?
Regardless, quite a coup to be able to maintain the dear thing!
February 11th, 2007 at 6:41 pm
Dave & Wayne - See the next post for answers to your questions.