California’s Butterflies

Mud-puddling

At Right: Mud-puddling butterflies.

Many butterflies are observed at mud puddles.  In most cases there is a strong sexual bias for males at these puddles, which has led to the assumption that males collect salts from these puddles.  These salts may somehow be needed for sperm production.  In any case, large number of males can be found at these mud puddles.  Often there are many of one species or of closely related species that collect at puddles.  A high rate of mortality can occur to mud-puddling butterflies along dirt roads, since vehicles often run over them before they can take flight.  It’s best to remember this as you drive quickly over wet areas along dirt roads, where hundreds of butterflies could potentially be mud-puddling.  By slowing down through these wet areas you will give the butterflies a chance to fly away when they perceive you moving close to them.