Monarchs and other butterflies need moisture but cannot land on water to drink, so a typical garden pond, fountain or birdbath won’t help them. Instead, butterflies sip liquid from muddy soil.

Should you give butterflies water?

Water is essential to a butterfly, and any way it can be offered is good. Ponds, fountains, misters, or birdbaths will supply what rain and morning dew cannot. Here are a few ways to give visiting butterflies a place to stop and sip.

How do Monarch caterpillars drink water?

Caterpillars do not drink water. They normally obtain sufficient fluids from the food plants that they eat. Outdoors, many overwintering caterpillars benefit from rain or other moisture reaching them.