Asked • 03/19/19

What do butterflies eat?

I found a beautiful scarce-swallowtail butterfly in my storeroom, but it was kind of frozen and couldn't fly away. So, I put it on my terrace in the sun. After a little bit, it flew a few meters away and fell. I was wondering what could these beings eat, so that I can help it... Any answers would be great appreciated! Thanks in advance

Katrina P.

Butterflies do not actually eat solid food, but rather feed on a liquid diet of nectar and water! The Scarce Swallowtail is only in its adult form for 2-3 weeks. Putting the butterfly somewhere that is safe from predators and has many flowers would probably be ideal to help it heal if possible. Another option would be to soak a sponge in a mixture of sugar and water (one part sugar to four parts water) and leave it near the butterfly. Thank you for your compassion for our fluttering friends!
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02/18/21

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Nazia M. answered • 03/02/22

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Butterflies have long proboscis (funnel like structure) with which they eat flower nectar mainly (depending on species). Some butterflies also take nutrients from rotten fruits, dung, muds etc. Whenever you find any butterfly around you, just soak a cotton ball with sugar syrup to feed it. Hope that will work.

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