A. Butterflies are one of natures wonders with their colorful beauty. Their transformation from earthbound caterpillars to winged adults is amazing. There are about seventeen thousand species in the world - seven hundred in North America alone. To identify them all would be a formidable task. However, only a small fraction of these species are really common and likely to be seen by the average person. They are in the insect group called Lepidoptera. Their life cycle consists of four different stages: eggs, caterpillars, pupa and adult.
The striking colors and shapes plus a chemical called pheromone is used to attract the male to the female in the mating process. The mating may last for 20 minutes or for several hours. The female then selects the proper plant, tree or shrub on which to lay the eggs; it must be one that the hatching caterpillars will eat. Eggs of most butterfly species hatch in about five to ten days. The tiny caterpillars begin to eat, and as it gets larger the skin is shed four or five times. The next stage, known as called the pupa, forms in about two to four weeks. Ten to 15 days later the adult butterfly emerges. This entire process is known as metamorphosis. This is a general overview of the butterfly life cycle; however, mating and time schedules can very according to species as well as climatic conditions.
The ideal situation in attracting butterflies would be with a new landscape. However, my landscape is an established yard, but I do have some plants they like. The first thing I did was invest in a good butterfly book. Secondly, I identified the butterfly species I wished to attract and carefully studied their habits.
I've found that butterflies like open spaces for fluttering, full sun exposure and protection from high winds. Although they get moisture from the nectar they sip, it is also beneficial to provide a butterfly puddle, in which they get mineral and salt. This is easily accomplished by placing a shallow saucer or dish filled with moist sand or gravel and sprinkling salt on it periodically. For a wind break, plant tall nectar producing trees, shrub and vines around the outer edge of the garden.
Butterflies are attracted to masses of color, in the pink, purple, yellow and orange ranges. A few of these plants include: lantana, sunflower, passion vine, snapdragons, asters, buddleia, pentas, verbena and zinnias. Apart from nectar producing plants, another good food source is a feeder (eight parts water to one part sugar) also, rotting fruit like bananas, apples, etc. Another good idea for their comfort and safety is placing a hibernation box in or near the garden. This provides them a place to roost in summer and a place to spend the winter months.
Gardening for butterflies will require a few changes in garden maintenance. To prevent washing away the nectar one must water near the ground, also the use of insecticides must be avoided. It is advisable to use organic gardening techniques and integrated pest management (IPM) practices instead.
Butterflies are called the jewels of the garden. They can be enjoyed almost the year round on the Gulf Coast, and well worth the effort it takes to attract them.