A common sight as I walk along the dirt road up here, a multitude of butterflies gathered at a puddle intent on gathering what they can, from the puddle. And puddling is what this is called. But it isn’t just puddles where they gather. They will also gather on scat, fermenting fruit, carrion, urine, even sweat on human skin.

The butterflies are seeking sodium, amino acids, and minerals. It’s mostly males that you’ll find puddling. They are gathering these three items to aid in reproduction. They pass them along to the female in their spermatophore during mating, which seems to aid in reproductive success.

Tiger Swallowtails are the butterflies that I see puddling most often but certainly not the only ones. Other butterflies can be found puddling, such as Pipevine Swallowtails, Snouts, and Appalachian Azures, but don’t be surprised if you see others.

An advantage that I see as I find this activity taking place, the butterflies are so concentrating on their task that they don’t pay attention to me and my camera.

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