The proboscis of an adult butterfly ingests only liquids. For hydration, they drink water from damp areas and consume nectar from flowers, from which they get sugars for energy, sodium, and other essential nutrients for reproduction.

Salt’s sodium attracts several species of butterflies, which require more sodium than nectar provides; They sometimes land on people because the salt in their sweat draws them in. Additionally, some butterflies visit dung and scavenge rotting fruit or carcasses for nutrients and minerals. Studies have suggested that the nutrients collected may be given as a nuptial gift, along with the spermatophore, during mating in many species where this mud-puddling behavior is restricted to males.

Numerous butterfly species actively pursue other species or individuals who might enter their territories. Some species will choose specific perches to bask or perch on. Butterflies frequently exhibit distinctive flight patterns, and some species also exhibit courtship flight displays.

Butterflies can’t fly unless their temperature is above 81 degrees Fahrenheit (27 °C). They can position themselves to heat themselves up by exposing the underside of their wings to the sun when it is cool. They can face the sun with their folded wings folded in the opposite direction if their body temperature reaches 40 °C (104 °F).