Artificial feeding of Butterflies

[chitin]

Many of us have seen Butterflies "salting" on mud patches. Last year I saw a group of about 12 Chalkhill blues on a Cow mud patch- all Males !!! It is becoming more apparent that Lepidoptera also require Protein in their food which is why iris have been seen slurping from dead Rabbits eye sockets after the crows have had a go. One very experienced breeder adds a dash of Light Soy Sauce to his iris artificial nectar !!

[Susie]

I thought it was mineral salts they were after rather than protein. I am sure one of our more experienced members will be able to elaborate.

[Dave McCormick]

Yeah, I think its minerals they feed on. If its warm enough some water evaporates from the surface of the leaves, ground and so on, and whats left is what the butterflies feed on. I have more than once saw a Holly Blue feeding on bare tarmac when it was wet, but very sunny. Guess we need more an expert on this.