Are you a lover of butterflies? They’re pretty, aren’t they? They have a great pattern on their wings, and they are vivid colours that will really light up your backyard if you have enough of them flitting around there. Did you know, however, that they are just as terrifying as other kinds of bugs and animals in the world? Yes, they are more than just a pretty face.
These beautiful, delicate little creatures are known for drinking blood.
Don’t panic, they just go for blood that is sitting on something, they don’t extract it themselves, but it is alluring to them.
But if given access to the stuff, butterflies have been known to settle in and slurp it right up.
This is because blood has all sorts of minerals that will help keep a butterfly healthy and nutrient-rich, something that can be hard for these gorgeous creatures.
It also contains a significant amount of sodium and glucose, two essential dietary blocks for most butterflies. Both of these are also found in fruit.
Hovering over pools of fluids is a practice called mud-puddling. Butterflies examine puddles of mud, blood, feces, or gore and extract whatever nutrients are available to them.
Butterflies will also hop around and drink up teardrops, if they come across an animal (who is still enough) that will allow it.
Sodium is rich in this as well, and it is an important part of a diet for these gorgeous creatures that are struggling to keep their health up.
Oh, did we mention there is a species of moth that will actually bite you to extract the yummy red stuff?
So, if you see a butterfly hovering around your bloody shirt, that’s why. So, rather than simply brush them off, allow them to get a few sips so they can have a day full of energy and time to find their next meal. You’ll be better off for it.
Share this creepy fact about butterflies with your friends below. People need to know!
