June 29, 2006

How Do Butterflies Feed?

Ever wondered how butterflies suck the nectar from deep within the flowers?




















Well, if you look at the picture below carefully, you will notice that there is like a rolled up ribbon -like thing where the mouth should be. That thing, is called a 'proboscis', which is a turbular sucking organ. When the butterfly has found nectar, it extends its proboscis like a party blow-out.





















A Monarch Butterfly



















A butterfly's proboscis is like a party blow-out.



















A butterfly's proboscis up close.