PULLMAN, Wash., July 23 -- Washington State University issued the following news release:
Washington State University's resident feline scientist, Dr.Universe, answers a flavorful question from Kalani, 12, of Texas: How do butterflies taste with their feet?
With help from WSUentomologist Rich Zack, Dr.Universe explains that butterflies have taste receptors in their feet that detect chemical signals from the surfaces they land on. Those receptors send electrical messages through the butterflies' nerves, helping them determine whether something might make a good meal.
Readers also learn why butterflies sometimes land on people to taste the salt in their sweat and why some gather on mud, tears or even carrion in search of nutrients.
The st...