Photograph Captures Two ‘Dryas Iulia’ Butterflies Drinking the Tears of Turtles in Ecuador

butterflies drink turtle tears

A photograph by Ama la Vida TV captures a pair of Dryas iulia butterflies drinking the tears of turtles in Ecuador. The behavior is known as lachryphagy (tear drinking), and is done as a way to gain nutrients and moisture.

The photograph won the 2014 Wikimedia Picture of the Year competition.

photo via Wikimedia

Glen Tickle
Glen Tickle

Amelia's dad. Steph's husband. Writer, comedian, gentleman. Good at juggling, bad at chess.