BUTTERFLIES 

     Of the 760 butterfly species that occur in North America, about 100 can be found in Florida. These do not include the skippers (of which Florida is home to an additional 70 species). Skippers, which are not listed in this publication, have relatively stout bodies and shorter wings than true butterflies. Moths are different from butterflies and skippers by having fluffy antenna instead of a club at the end. Other differences are that moths are active at night, and tend to hold their wings open while feeding or resting.

There are four stages in the amazing butterfly life cycle: egg, larva, chrysalis (resting), and adult. Butterfly eggs are laid on the larval food plant and caterpillars emerge within a few days. Some species do this over winter in this stage. These larva have enormous appetites and do nothing but eat. When their skin is stretched as far as possible, they molt or shed that skin. After a few molts, they seek a sheltered place. Some spin a safety belt that holds them upside down on a twig or similar object, while others hang on with special hooks on their abdomen. At this time, the final molt takes place and the larva skin is replaced with a stiff butterfly chrysalis (pupa). During this stage, the once worm-like caterpillar transforms into a beautiful, flying adult.

    Most adult butterflies found in Florida feed on flower nectar. Some visit a variety of flowers and others seem to prefer a more specialized menu. Butterflies generally are attracted to brightly colored simple flowers that are not too deep and that are wide enough for good perching platforms. Universal nectar favorites include: phlox, zinnias, asters, marigolds, daisies, coneflowers, black-eyed Susan, milkweeds, thistles, and butterfly bush. Flowers in the composite family (e.g. daisies and asters) and flowers in clusters (e.g. milkweed and viburnum) also are good. Double-flowered varieties of cultivated flowers are never as good as the single ones.

    White varieties are inferior to other colors as far as butterflies are concerned. A wide assortment of flowers is preferable to having just a few different kinds or a variety of similar flower types. As a rule, small butterflies nectar from small flowers and large butterflies nectar from larger ones. Flowers that produce the most scent generally furnish the most nectar. Nectar also should be available for the greatest number of months possible. Therefore, it is best to choose your flowers so that at least some of them are always blooming. Remember that many flowers are not designed for pollinated by butterflies. Adults of some butterfly species rarely visit flowers but instead are attracted to aphids, manure, rotting fruit, mud, or tree sap

    Larval (caterpillar) food plants must be tailored to specific butterflies. Some plants are hosts to several different butterflies (e.g., passion vine), but often each species requires its own plant. So, unless you have acres of land at your disposal, you will have to be selective in your plantings for specific butterflies. You also must remember that these plants ultimately will be chewed on if you are successful.

    Birds and other predators are quick to eat these larva so few reach adulthood or get large enough to do extensive damage. In fact, very few butterfly species (unlike moths) cause significant problems to vegetable gardens. Most feed singly or in small groups, as their eggs are laid. Most butterfly gardeners are quite pleased to share their carrots and dill for the pleasure of the company of black swallowtails; they simply plant some extra for the caterpillars. If you must use insecticides, use them sparingly as they are just as deadly to butterflies as they are to other insects

    You can't attract butterfly species that are not present naturally in your region, nor can you grow plants that aren't adapted to the soils and climate in your region of the state. Butterfly gardening should not try to improve nature but complement it as the best horticultural practices have always done.

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