To the new observer of nature few things can appear as casual and random as the dainty fluttering of butterflies, as they land on flowers in the meadow. Most adult butterflies and moths tend to be solitary, but there are occasional instances of gregarious behavior. Just like people, they occasionally group together.They essentially fall into three categories:
Crowding together of migratory butterflies & moths in winter quarters
Clustering of individuals on damp ground
Communal nocturnal roosts
Instances of clustering to absorb water from the damp earth occur in all parts of the world. Some groups of tropical butterflies, such as papilionids, danaines, ithomiines, heliconiines and acraeines, which are protected from predators by their unappetizing taste, have been observed in large roosting groups. The roosts are generally very stable, and their members return to the same places every evening, in heliconiines, the returns can occur up to 6 months. In the morning the roosting butterflies each goes its separate way, scattering through the forest and clearings in search of nectar or pollen.
At dusk they all return home.
It seems that all butterflies have the same characteristics, however; each one is individually unique. Each has its' own preferences as to where it lays eggs, boundaries * where it naturally puts on itself, as well as which flowers it collects nectar from. The collection of nectar for energy, to continue on. To the unknown, or to the naked eye, the 'resting' they seem to do is merely; allowing the sun to warm their wings.
Butterflies are unique in their own way in the way of coloring. Each sub-species has a purpose of their coloring & patterns. Many mimic others that are poisonous. So that birds and other animals won't eat them. At any rate, they are quite gorgeous in their own way. And entertain both Young & Old!
While on one of my WILD WEEKENDS *grins* I went to visit OceansEdge in Canada. And guess where we went together??? Well, I'll tell you, we went to Niagra Falls, no, not to see the waterfalls.. to see the butterfly house of course! First I have to tell you, I couldn't get my camera to take pictures fast enough! (I'm NOT kidding!)
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