Butterfly Mouthparts

Close-up of butterfly mouthparts.  When a butterfy is not drinking, its "tongue" is wound into a tight coil.  The tongue is actually a tube, and it is able to extend and siphon water and nectar into the butterfly's digestive system.  These type of mouthparts, called "siphoning," are unique to moths and butterflies.

Photo courtesy Corel Photo CD, 1993