| Attracting Butterflies |
1. Butterflies are attracted to a variety of nectar producing trees, plants, annuals, and perennials.
*It is helpful to get a bird and wildlife information or identification guide for the area you live in, then evaluate what species you could see
in your backyard, and look those species up to see what kinds of trees, shrubs, annuals, perennials, etc or feeders to attract that type of
species specifically. However, if you try and offer a wide variety of plantings, feeders, cover/shelter, and water sources, you never know
what you will see!
2. Butterflies love sunlight.
3. Commercial butterfly houses and feeders are available. They do require some maintenance because as we understand it you are
supposed to put fresh greens in the house, and would need to change the typically used sugar water in the feeders. You can also put out
fruit slices for butterflies, we have read they like bananas, apples, and melons. It is certainly possible they would eat any kind of fruit you
offered.
4. Offer water and opportunity for "mud puddling." Butterflies, particularly males, enjoy hanging around a mud puddle - otherwise known
as "mud puddling." They are seeking salts and minerals that enhance breeding. Mud puddles are very easy to make by burying a bucket
to the rim, filling it with gravel or sand, and then keeping it moist at all times.
*It is helpful to get a bird and wildlife information or identification guide for the area you live in, then evaluate what species you could see
in your backyard, and look those species up to see what kinds of trees, shrubs, annuals, perennials, etc or feeders to attract that type of
species specifically. However, if you try and offer a wide variety of plantings, feeders, cover/shelter, and water sources, you never know
what you will see!
2. Butterflies love sunlight.
3. Commercial butterfly houses and feeders are available. They do require some maintenance because as we understand it you are
supposed to put fresh greens in the house, and would need to change the typically used sugar water in the feeders. You can also put out
fruit slices for butterflies, we have read they like bananas, apples, and melons. It is certainly possible they would eat any kind of fruit you
offered.
4. Offer water and opportunity for "mud puddling." Butterflies, particularly males, enjoy hanging around a mud puddle - otherwise known
as "mud puddling." They are seeking salts and minerals that enhance breeding. Mud puddles are very easy to make by burying a bucket
to the rim, filling it with gravel or sand, and then keeping it moist at all times.
- 5. Plant a wide variety of wildflowers, annuals, and perennials. Butterflies love colors, so plant a
variety. Some plants provide food (nectar), some shelter, and some are host plants for more
"butterfly babies." A good field guide helps to identify the species in your area and the native
plants that they prefer for their survival.
- 6. Avoid the use of chemicals (weed & bug killers, lawn fertilizers, etc). Any chemicals have the
risk of killing beneficial and wonderful creatures! Avoid chemicals at all costs!
| Monarch Laying Egg *Tip - In our yard, Monarchs LOVE Butterfly Weed (Asclepias) (Perennial), and so do MANY other species! |
- *It is helpful to get a bird and wildlife information or identification guide for the area you live in and evaluate what species you could see
in your backyard. You can then see what will attract that type of bird or species specifically. However, if you try and offer a wide variety
of plantings, feeders, cover/shelter, and water sources, you never know what you will see!
- Our Favorites for On-line Bird Identification: Site One...Site Two
Our Favorites for On-line Butterfly and Moth Identification: Site One...Site Two
Our Favorite for On-line Caterpillar Identification: Site One
Our Favorites for On-line Insect and Bug Identification: Site One...Site Two
Our Favorites for General Nature Guides: Site One...Site Two
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