Five Easy Steps to Attract Butterflies
Did you know that North America hosts more than 200 species of butterflies? They range in size, color and pattern and provide an interesting show to those who enjoy taking in natural marvels. Drawing butterflies into your landscape is easy once you know the basic needs of their life cycle. If you provide a place for egg-laying, food for caterpillars (larvae), a setting for chrysalis formation and nectar for adult butterflies you will be rewarded every year with new butterflies. Here’s what you need:
1. Larvae Food. Unlike mature butterflies, larvae’s preferences vary by species. Milkweed plants will attract the Monarch caterpillar, while the similar-looking Viceroy is attracted to the leaves of the poplar or willow tree. Black Swallowtail larvae are drawn to plants such as parsley, dill and carrots. Other species eat weeds, so don’t be afraid to keep some thistle and nettle around.
2. Food for butterflies. Mature butterflies require an entirely different offering in the form of nectar or sap. Over-ripe fruits or colorful blooms are what you need. Clover, zinnias, asters, marigolds, coneflowers, cosmos, verbenas, mint, goldenrod or flowers that are flat-topped or clustered make feeding easy. Butterflies are particularly attracted to red, orange, yellow, purple and pink blossoms. An important key is to make sure that you consider a landscape that is in continuous bloom from season to season.
3. Plant location. Butterflies require lots of sunlight, but don’t linger where it is too windy. Consider creating your ‘butterfly islands’ behind larger trees and shrubbery to block the wind if need be. Also make sure that you’re attracting them to areas with low traffic. A butterfly garden wouldn’t do well next to a children’s play area, for example.
4. Drinking and rest. Butterflies need to bask in the sunshine in order to provide active flight when feeding. Provide plenty of flat rocks from them to perch on while raising their body temperature. They also need moisture in the form of a shallow sandy pit with water or a birdbath.
Some butterflies live up to a month, others only a few days, but thankfully the cycle continues seamlessly if you’ve taken these key steps. Good luck!
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