A Most Unusual Lunch

I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw these 3 swallowtails feasting on a dead fish. Has anyone else ever seen this? Usually butterflies prefer nectar or even an orange, but a dead fish? Taken on the banks of the CT River at Salmon River boat launch area.

[Jennifer Ruge]

They look like they are enjoying their lunch. Who would have guessed that they like dead fish!

[Sabine]

fascinating ! No, I have never seen anything like this before either. What a great find.

[Ramona]

Wow, the butterflies are gorgeous (even on the dead fish)!

[Dawn Irwin]

Wow, what a find! I've never seen anything like this either.

[Milanie]

Wow! What a shot. I've been around a lot of dead fish and never seen any interest from a butterfly. Super looking.

[Alison Tomlin]

Wow thats a real find. Brilliant capture of the details.

[Cindy Muir]

Great butterfly shot, but I have never seen a butterfly interested in a dead fish!

[Allison Maltese]

@cmuir1963 @milaniet @dawnirwin @sabine @jenniferruge My sister, the entomologist said that they are looking for salt.

[ChrissyM]

Amazing shot and I am sure your sister is right.