Butterflies are known for consuming nectar from flowers, but their diet is more diverse, with fruit playing a notable role. Certain species seek out fruit, which provides a different array of nutrients compared to nectar. This dietary preference helps them meet various biological needs.
Preferred Fruit Choices
Butterflies are particularly attracted to fruit that is overripe or has begun to rot. As fruit ripens and decomposes, its texture softens, making sugary juices more accessible for a butterfly’s proboscis. The fermentation process also releases scents highly appealing to these insects.
Common fruit favorites include bananas, oranges, and watermelon, which offer easily consumed liquids. Other popular choices are peaches, apples, and strawberries, valued for their sweet, juicy flesh. Cantaloupe, pears, plums, nectarines, and mangoes are also readily consumed by various butterfly species. Species such as Mourning Cloaks, Red Admirals, Question Marks, and Hackberry Emperors are frequently observed feeding on fermenting fruit.
Nutritional Value of Fruit
Fruit provides butterflies with essential nutrients beyond the simple sugars found in nectar. The high sugar content offers a readily available energy source for flight and other metabolic activities. Water, abundant in juicy fruits, contributes to their hydration, especially in warmer climates.
Fruit, particularly when fermenting, contains amino acids and other nitrogenous compounds. Nectar is comparatively low in nitrogen; studies indicate fermented fruit juice can contain substantially more essential amino acids per unit of sugar than nectar, potentially up to 33 times more. These amino acids are important for reproduction, including egg development and hatchability, and may contribute to longer lifespans for some fruit-feeding butterfly species. While fruit offers some minerals, butterflies also obtain salts and other trace elements from sources like mud puddles or damp soil.
How to Offer Fruit to Butterflies
To attract butterflies with fruit, select overripe or slightly rotting pieces, as these are most appealing. Prepare the fruit by slicing it, mashing it, or poking several holes into the surface to expose the juices. Adding a small amount of water or fruit juice can help keep the fruit moist. For an enhanced lure, some sources suggest adding a splash of beer or wine to promote fermentation, or a dash of salt.
Place the prepared fruit in a shallow dish, on a log, or within a designated butterfly feeder in your garden. Positioning the fruit in a shaded area can help slow down its decay and keep the butterflies comfortable. Remove the fruit at night to prevent attracting unwanted nocturnal visitors like raccoons or other pests. To maintain hygiene and ensure freshness, replace the fruit daily. Ensure that any fruit offered is free from pesticides or other chemical treatments.