In the feeding trays, fermenting fruit is provided and the butterflies feed off of the naturally produced alcohol.
Adult butterflies feed mostly on other plant species.
As a side effect, the counts have raised the first rumblings of a wildflower movement that advocates planting flowers that butterflies feed on along now-mowed state highways.
This butterfly seldom visits flowers, but rather feeds on sap, rotting fruit, salts and minerals from puddling, and dung.
The butterflies also feed while migrating, he said.
The mature butterfly emerges after about two weeks and feeds on a variety of flowers including milkweed flowers, red clover and goldenrod.
On a more personal level, individuals can grow plants that butterflies or their larvae feed on.
It is especially important to choose plants that don't bloom at the same time, so that the butterflies can feed all summer.
Most butterflies feed on nectar, which is like sugar, a quick energy source.
The adult butterfly feeds on nectar from many different flowers with long tubes including cordia, bougainvillea, cardinal flower, hibiscus, lantana, and wild morning glory.