Category: Eco Park

This photograph shows butterflies engaged in mud puddling at Sanjeevi Malai Eco Park. Butterflies require sodium and other mineral salts for important body functions, particularly for reproduction. Mud puddling is a natural behavior in which butterflies suck fluids from moist soil, dung, or decaying organic matter to obtain these essential nutrients. This activity is mostly seen in male butterflies. They collect and store sodium, amino acids, and other salts and later transfer them to females during mating. These nutrients improve egg production and increase the survival chances of their offspring.