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Attracting Butterflies
Making your yard more attractive to butterflies does not have to be an
expensive, major undertaking. A few choice plants, a basking site, and a source
of water may be all that is needed to entice these colorful insects into your
yard.
Before selecting plants for butterflies, find out what species are common in
your area. While many species such as the well-known Monarch are found across
most of the United States, other species are native to specific parts of the
country. Knowing what types of butterflies are common in your area will help you
select proper plants for the larvae.
Butterfly larvae--or caterpillars--have specific food requirements. Most
species can only survive on a few types of plants. Monarch larvae feed only on
milkweed plants, while the similar looking Viceroy larvae feed on willow and
poplar leaves. The Black Swallowtail larvae feed on plants such as carrots,
dill, and parsley. Many species feed on native plants, including those often
called weeds such as nettle and thistle.
Adult butterflies require a source of nectar or other liquid from sap or
over-ripe fruits. Their long mouthparts are able to reach deep into flowers to
obtain this nectar. Butterfly weed, phlox, clover, zinnias, goldenrod, lantana,
liatris, asters, and numerous other species will provide the colorful adults
with their needed food.
- Here are some suggestions to make your yard more desirable for
butterflies:
- Avoid using insecticides. Butterflies are insects; therefore, most insect
sprays will kill butterflies.
- Learn to recognize the larvae of butterflies. Those caterpillars eating
your parsley may be the larvae of the Swallowtail butterfly.
- Plant a variety of flowers that bloom from spring until fall. They will
provide a continuous source of nectar for the adult butterflies.
- Include native plant species in your garden.
- While adults are attracted to a wide variety of flowers, many have a
preference for red, yellow, orange, and purple flowers. Single flowers are
easier for butterflies to get nectar from than the fuller double blossoms.
- Locate your garden in full sun. Butterflies are most active on warm sunny
days.
- Provide a source of water such as a shallow saucer of water or a birdbath.
Butterflies do drink.
- Place several flat rocks in full sun in the garden. Butterflies need to
warm up in the morning before they are capable of active flight. Rocks
provide a basking site for butterflies to raise their body temperature.
Be patient! It may take time for butterflies to find your yard, especially if
you are the only one in the neighborhood providing desirable habitat. Even if
you don’t attract the desired species at first, keep trying and enjoy the
beauty of the plants!
For more information on wildlife habitat and other Backyard
Conservation practices, contact your local conservation district or the Natural
Resources Conservation Service. Or call 1-888-LANDCARE (toll free) for a free
colorful Backyard Conservation booklet and tip sheets.
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