Butterflies

Butterflies

 * ~ BACKGROUND ||~ BODY & BEHAVIOR ||~ SENSE OF SMELL ||~ SENSE OF SIGHT ||
 * Butterflies, and their larvae (caterpillars) are associated with particular plant species, and are often named for this plant species. This plant is the primary food source for them. The larvae feed on the leaves, while the adults feed on nectar. This is a way of preventing competition for food between the adults and their young. || Butterflies are different from bees in many of their pollinating characteristics. They have a much longer feeding snout (called a proboscis). The proboscis is made of two halves that fit together to make a long, hollow tube. This tube is kept coiled up under the head like a watchspring when not in use. Their only food is nectar, unlike honeybees who gather pollen both for themselves and their larvae. || Smell is not a well defined sense to butterflies. However, many butterflies have taste organs on their feet; touching a source of sweetness with their feet will trigger them to open their proboscis. || Butterflies find their food by sight and are attracted to vividly colored flowers. Butterflies are sensitive to a range of colors (bright red, orange, yellow and pink), but unlike bees they are especially sensitive to red and orange. ||

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