In order to fully enjoy butterflies, you need to have at least some
understanding of their life cycle, which is usually divided into three distinct
stages. First, during the larva stage, the butterfly is nothing more than a
caterpillar that eats tender leaves. During this cycle, the butterfly is often
considered a garden pest as it can cause considerable damage due to its
appetite. However, it should be noted that each butterfly has its own distinct
tastes in leaves. For instance, a monarch butterfly will only consume butterfly
weed leaves.
The second stage of development is the chrysalis phase where the caterpillar
spins a cocoon for itself and begins the process of transforming into a
butterfly. At this particular stage, the butterfly eats absolutely nothing until
the third and final stage also known as the adult phase.
It is during the third phase that things begin to get really interesting. At
this point in its life, the butterfly’s sole purpose is to reproduce. To
survive, it will consume the nectar generated by flowers. Some species of
butterfly only live for a few days, while others (such as the monarch) undertake
a lengthy migration into Mexico to survive the winters.
If you want these beautiful creatures to share your garden, you’re going to have
to create a butterfly friendly environment. This means your garden will have to
be one that tolerates caterpillars.
How to Attract Butterflies
For the perfect landscape to attract butterflies, you’ll need to choose a sunny
location that’s protected from the wind by trees, mass of flowers or shrubs. You
need to take care in choosing the correct shrubs that will not only produce the
nectar needed for the butterflies, but also the correct leaves for the
caterpillars to munch on. Also, you must keep these plants in a half-circle 1.5
to 2 meters deep so that the taller plants are located in the back. You should
also distribute your colors so that the darker ones are on the sides and the
lighter ones are near the center.
Creating a Butterfly Bath
In order to benefit from the wondrous effects that butterflies have upon a
garden, consider setting up a butterfly bath. You can use a standard bird bath
by adding some sand to the bottom of it and filling it up with only a small
amount of water (you don’t want your insects to drown now do you?). You should
make sure that your sand is always damp.
Butterflies add a sense of happiness to just about any garden and attracting
them to yours can work wonders! Butterflies are also considered a barometer of
sorts so you can keep track of the weather without having to watch the TV. Keep
in mind, however, that butterflies are very sensitive to pesticides, so if you
want them to come to your garden, you should use only non-toxic maintenance
products. |
