Vermiculite

Question

Can vermiculite replace sand in a butterfly ‘puddler’?

Answer 1

I did a little research on vermiculite, and I would stick with the mud or sand. Butterflies puddle not only for moisture but to sip nutrients. While there are nutrients in vermiculite, I couldn't find research that indicated they would be the same nutrients butterflies need. Plus, there is a small chance of vermiculite containing asbestos.

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/vermiculite-growing-medium.htm

http://www.umt.edu/bioethics/libbyhealth/docs/online_resources/usepa_fact_sheet.pdf