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BUTTERFLIES FEEDING ON FAECES

on 23rd December 2015

“While hiking along a hill forest trail in Malaysia on 8th May 2015, we were greeted by the sight of butterflies prancing around a pile of wild animal faeces (above). The larger species was the Red Helen (Papilio helenus, family Papilionidae).

“The other was the Constable (Dichorragia nesimachus, family Nymphalidae) (image).

“On closer inspection, its reddish proboscis was readily noticeable (above).

“After some deliberation, we arrived at the conclusion that the faeces most likely belonged to that of a Leopard Cat (Prionailurus bengalensis). The compacted, grey fur is what’s left of the rodent prey.

“Video clips of these butterflies intently sucking up the nutrients and minerals from the wild cat’s faeces may be previewed here:

“From this encounter, we are reminded that in the Natural World, ‘waste’ matter never really goes to waste!”

Dr. Leong Tzi Ming & Dr. Vilma D’Rozario
Singapore
15th December 2015

If you like this post please tap on the Like button at the left bottom of page. Any views and opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the authors/contributors, and are not endorsed by the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum (LKCNHM, NUS) or its affiliated institutions. Readers are encouraged to use their discretion before making any decisions or judgements based on the information presented.

YC Wee

Dr Wee played a significant role as a green advocate in Singapore through his extensive involvement in various organizations and committees: as Secretary and Chairman for the Malayan Nature Society (Singapore Branch), and with the Nature Society (Singapore) as founding President (1978-1995). He has also served in the Nature Reserve Board (1987-1989), Nature Reserves Committee (1990-1996), National Council on the Environment/Singapore Environment Council (1992-1996), Work-Group on Nature Conservation (1992) and Inter-Varsity Council on the Environment (1995-1997). He is Patron of the Singapore Gardening Society and was appointed Honorary Museum Associate of the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum (LKCNHM) in 2012. In 2005, Dr Wee started the Bird Ecology Study Group. With more than 6,000 entries, the website has become a valuable resource consulted by students, birdwatchers and researchers locally and internationally. The views and opinions expressed in this article are his own, and do not represent those of LKCNHM, the National University of Singapore or its affiliated institutions.

Other posts by YC Wee

7 Responses

  1. Urine and sweat are also on their menu. When large wild animals go to drink at the riversides, they often urinate at the same time. Butterflies congregate on these patches. And when you stop to rest while hiking in the jungle, you will often find insects, including butterflies, attracted to your sweaty arms.

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