Curious Facts Quizzes / Nature · 2 questions
What can a butterfly’s feet detect?
Two questions on contact taste and choosing plants for eggs.
No prior knowledge is needed. Choose an answer to see the explanation and evidence.
1Understanding
What does it mean that butterflies taste with their feet?
Correct answer: They detect chemical signals from a surface they touch.
Taste receptors on the feet detect chemical signals. Sensing a surface and swallowing food are different functions.
Evidence: Butterflies can use taste receptors on their feet to detect chemical signals from surfaces they touch. The key fact and first section explain the sensory function.
2Context
Why might a female butterfly check a plant with her feet before laying eggs?
Correct answer: To find a plant her caterpillars can eat
Foot taste can help a female choose plants for her caterpillars. The task is not limited to finding an immediate meal for the adult.
Evidence: Female butterflies also use this sense when choosing plants for their eggs. The following sentence connects this choice to caterpillar food.
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Can butterflies taste with their feet?