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Liz Bickel | all galleries >> Themed Galleries >> Themes: Multiple Galleries >> Everything: Multiple Galleries >> W >> White > Bubbling Butterfly
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01-JUL-2015 copyright Elizabeth Bickel

Bubbling Butterfly

Checkered White

Apparently this is what a butterfly does when it "pees":

"Mudpuddling and Mineral Intake

Butterflies engage in a behavior called mudpuddling, where they gather on wet soil, animal waste, or even human sweat and urine to obtain salts and minerals essential for their metabolism During this process, they may release abdominal fluids as they balance their intake of liquids and nutrients. The expelled fluid can vary in color, consistency, and droplet size, depending on what the butterfly has consumed and its digestive processes. While butterflies do not pee in the traditional sense, they excrete excess fluids through their abdomen to maintain hydration and nutrient balance. This unique method of fluid release, combined with behaviors like mudpuddling, allows butterflies to thrive on a liquid diet without the need for kidneys or conventional urine production."

Canon EOS 7D Mark II ,Canon EF100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM
1/400s f/8.0 at 450.0mm iso800 full exif

other sizes: small medium original auto
comment
Laura Milholland28-Jun-2017 03:33
What an amazing and unique photo, Liz. One would assume they must, but to catch a photo of one 'in the act' is actually astounding. :)
fotabug02-Jul-2015 06:08
That's a gorgeous little creature!