A butterfly drinks nectar through a long coiled mouthpart called a proboscis.

The longer version

Nectar feeding uses a tube formed from two elongated mouthparts locked together, leaving a channel that draws liquid up by capillary action and suction. The insect pumps fluid with a small chamber in the head, so no chewing is involved. After emerging from the pupa the halves join and the coil gradually stiffens.

In use the tube straightens; at rest it coils tightly under the head and stays out of the way during flight. Length varies with flower shape, since deep blossoms reward insects able to reach inside. Besides sugars, the same tube takes up water and dissolved salts that many species seek from damp soil.

Where this entry sits

This collection gathers small wonders from the world of ants, bees, butterflies, beetles, and spiders. Expect surprising details about swarms, silk, and metamorphosis, plus the strange everyday abilities of creatures small enough to fit on a fingertip. The full list sits on the Insects and Spiders page, where every entry is listed in order.