What better way to improve the aesthetic atmosphere around your home than to add a splash of summer long color and in turn be a home to beautiful butterflies.
There have been more than 700 species of butterflies found in North America and over 30 of those are common in Mississippi.
You can find many different kinds of fritillaries, skippers, sulphurs and swallowtails and the famous monarch in the right locations. The key in starting a location to attract these butterflies is to provide food, and shelter and some other needs for both the butterfly and caterpillar.
Even though some butterflies like heavily shaded areas in the woods, others tend to like open meadow lands. Both need some sunlight since they are cold blooded and need the warmth to get around and moving. If a butterfly passes through and it fits all of its needs then an egg will be laid.
After a couple of weeks the egg will hatch and a small caterpillar will emerge and start consuming leafy material as it grows.
After about a month the caterpillar will be as big as it will get and be ready to pupate. Lastly a few weeks will pass and another beautiful butterfly will emerge.
When selecting plants to attract butterflies keep a few things in mind.
Most butterflies rely entirely on flower nectar for food. If there is not adequate amounts they will move along to another area. Also, because of physiological constraints they prefer to visit flowers with short tubes to get the nectar.
To ensure flowers over a large span of time choose plants with overlapping blooming periods. To entice butterflies to stay and live in your garden offer enough plant material and protection from predators for the caterpillars. Examples of each are listed below:
Host Plants (Caterpillar)- Aster, Marigolds, Milkweed, Queen Anne's Lace, Seena, Snapdragon, Papaw, Passionflower, Birches, Dogwoods, Elms, and many more.
Flowering Plants (Butterfly food)- Clovers, Mountain Mint, Queen Anne's Lace, Thistle, Aster, Lantana, Black Eyed Susan, daylily, Azaleas, Abelia, Cherry and Willow and many more.
Leave vegetation through the winter so it can provide a home for overwintering butterfly pupa or larva.
Try to avoid unwarranted insecticides and herbicide applications as they might harm the vegetation or the butterfly population.
Provide a gentle stream or water source and protection from the wind and rain for butterflies.
Place paving stones or rocks throughout your garden to offer a warm basking place for the butterfly to enjoy in the mornings.
Finally place the garden where you can enjoy the sights and sounds of your labor.
