Dr. Universe explains how butterflies taste with their feet

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 WSU entomologist 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 story explores how female butterflies use extra taste receptors on their feet to identify the right host plants for laying their eggs. Because many caterpillars can eat only certain plants, choosing the right one is essential to their survival.

Along the way, Dr. Universe breaks down how taste receptors work and shows how butterflies use their feet to gather information about food, habitat and the world around them.

Ask Dr. Universe is a science education project from WSU that answers real questions from curious kids around the world. Readers and listeners can submit their own questions and explore more columns, videos and the Ask Dr. Universe podcast online.