2006-10-21 20:36:45 · 10 answers · asked by Anonymous in Science & Mathematics ➔ Zoology
It depends on the species. Many are not but some are because of the plants they ate as caterpillars. Monarchs are a good example they eat the puffball weed as caterpillars which has highly poisonous sap. Most butterflies that are poisonous are orange in colour, it is a warning to other animals not to eat them. Some species that are not poisonous are also orange though, this is called batesian mimicry, and they use the warning colours to discourage predators even through they themselves are not poisonous. Pretty tricky hey ;)
2006-10-21 21:33:56 · answer #1 · answered by Em_butterfly 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes,.. Some. The Monarch is the most known. Infact Animal Planet just had it on the Ten Deadliest animals.
They eat poison as catepillars, then when they turn into Butterflies they are emiting and built of this powerful poison. But the poison comes off of them over time they said.
Some Butterflies are said to be more colorful the more and wider the range of posionious plants they eat (I mean ate as catepillers, it shows in their wings when they turn into butterflies). But I haven't heard anything about that in years, so I don't know the details for the color connection.
(Lady Bugs can also be poisonous)
2006-10-21 20:47:51 · answer #2 · answered by sailortinkitty 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This Site Might Help You.
RE:
are butterflies poisonous?
2015-08-18 21:24:05 · answer #3 · answered by Sherill 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
some butterflies are poisonous.
Monach catipillars eat milkweed, thus the Monarch butterflies are poisonous if eaten.
2006-10-23 09:31:04 · answer #4 · answered by Quibish 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
no unless one have been spayed with a poisonous vapors so when the butterfly flap its wings it causes the poisonous vapor to spread down behind it.
2006-10-21 20:46:04 · answer #5 · answered by salamince 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Only certain species are poisonous
2006-10-21 20:54:21 · answer #6 · answered by yusdz 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Y, u thinkin bout a butterfly diet?
2006-10-21 20:44:14 · answer #7 · answered by da voice 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
eat the butterflies through your eyes only
2006-10-21 20:50:51 · answer #8 · answered by guharamdas 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Only if nectar was poisonous.......
Seriously,they aren't.
2006-10-22 03:50:51 · answer #9 · answered by farhan ferdous 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Not if you cook them properly!
2006-10-21 20:46:09 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋