Puddling
I find it difficult to comprehend that we need more than just sweet nutrition, since I have such a "sweet tooth".
These butterflies are gathering around a food source other than nectar. They need other nutrients, such as salts and amino acids, that they are finding in this moist gravel in Great Smoky National Park. Typically one finds the nutrient, and attracts a crowd. They attract photographers as well. This behavior known as "puddling" or "mud-puddling" can produce quite a large grouping of butterflies. It's a potluck supper, or a cookout, or stopping at the roadside restaurant where the parking lot is full. It's a visual promise of "good eating".
It may even mean there's chocolate cake for dessert.
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© Day Six Pix, The Photography of John Hartleroad