Have you ever wondered what butterflies feed on? Or even how they do it? Most butterflies prefer flower nectar, but others may feed on the liquids found in rotting fruit, in ooze from trees. Butterflies prefer to feed in sunny areas protected from wind.
Most adult butterflies drink nectar from flowers through a tube-like tongue called a proboscis which acts like a straw. It uncoils to sip liquid food, and then coils up again into a spiral when the butterfly is not feeding.
This Red Admiral had been feasting on my Cosmos flowers and Filipendula (Meadowsweet) before coming to rest on a hose nozzle lying on the table in front of me. I was able to get a blurry shot of the proboscis as it curled back up.
And here he is basking in the sun with his mouth firmly closed!
July Squares | Perspective
Cornwall in Colours 
Wow! Amazing.
what fantastic shots – jaw dropping fantastic!
Beautiful photos Jude!
Great shots, Jude. You were there at the right time. 👏🏻
I was reading, but had my camera by my side as this butterfly had been circling for ages. So I was ready for any action!
These are really wonderful shots Jude. I hope you we’re basking in sunshine at the time.
Outside, reading a book. Overdid the weeding this week and ended up with a sore back 😣
Oh no! Take care and try to relax over the weekend
Well it’s raining now so that’s going to keep me indoors for the weekend! Typical British summer 😂
☹️
Your patience has paid off again, Jude – wonderful!
Oh, wonderful macros and interesting facts, Jude!
Only wish there were more Dina. Not seen many butterflies this year.