Monarchs puddling in El Rosario Sanctuary, March 2026.

[Donkees]

Monarchs puddling in El Rosario Sanctuary, March 2026. Video: Estela Romero

Estela Romero is an environmental educator with Monarchs Across Georgia. Her work is made possible by funding from Monarchs Across Georgia and the Monarch Butterfly Fund.

[Nittersing]

1. Puddling

A new word for me

"Puddling is a term with three primary meanings: a historic metallurgical process for converting pig iron into wrought iron, a behavior where insects (mostly butterflies) consume nutrients from moist soil, and an agricultural technique for preparing rice paddies. It generally involves mixing, heating, or manipulating materials in a damp or liquid state."

Thanks Donkees!

[Donkees]

2. 'During mating, males transfer some of these nutrients to females, which can enhance their reproductive success.'

The nutrients obtained through puddling are especially important for male butterflies. During mating, males transfer some of these nutrients to females, which can enhance their reproductive success. A well-nourished female is more likely to produce healthier offspring.

Puddling: A Butterfly’s Secret Garden of Delight

https://coastalbg.uga.edu/2023/09/puddling-a-butterflys-secret-garden-of-delight/

[Nittersing]

3. Just watching the video

I assumed they were just drinking water.

Thanks for the additional info! Fascinating stuff.

[some_of_us_are_sane]

4. Monarchs are MAGIC!

I LOVE THEM!