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What attract butterflies


Attracting Butterflies

Brightly colored butterflies can be a welcome addition to your wildlife garden, not only because of their beauty, but also because of their usefulness in pollinating flowers.

Attracting butterflies involves incorporating plants that serve the needs of all life stages of the butterfly. The insects need places to lay eggs, food plants for their larvae (caterpillars), places to form chrysalides and nectar sources for adults.

When you create a pollinator garden and certify it with National Wildlife Federation, it also counts towards the Million Pollinator Garden Challenge.

Butterfly Garden Necessities

Common Butterflies and the Plants Their Caterpillars Eat

Does your garden have all the elements to become a Certified Wildlife Habitat®? Certify today!

 

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How to attract butterflies – how to make a butterfly garden

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Knowing how to attract butterflies to your yard is one of the most important changes you can make to your garden. Considered a key indicator of a healthy environment,  three-quarters of butterfly species are in decline and four species have already gone extinct, therefore it is clear there is much to be done. 

Cultivate a butterfly-friendly space with nectar-rich colorful flowers and wildlife garden ideas, and you will be able to enjoy spotting the likes of a Red Admiral, Peacock, Painted lady, Comma, Brimstone, Gatekeepper and Small Tortoiseshell butterflies dancing between the blooms. 

There is no doubt that gardeners have an important role to play in supplementing nature by improving gardens so they are more supportive to valuable pollinators, including butterflies, bees, moths, wasps, hoverflies, beetles and many others. 

How to attract butterflies

Our gardens are important corridors between natural habitats; a diverse, nectar-rich café allows butterflies and other insects to flit from flower to flower, pollinating and enabling seeds and fruit production. 

Butterflies, once on the wing, cover larger areas than bees and get almost all of their food from nectar. Pollen sticks to their bodies as they feed, so that they pass it from flower to flower, pollinating the plants, but unlike bees, they don't eat pollen.

'A good pollinator garden needs to work a bit like a good supermarket – well stocked whenever you visit and with something for everyone,' says Helen Bostock, senior horticultural advisor at the RHS . 

Knowing how to attract butterflies can make a big difference in the health of your garden. 'Anyone with a good range of flowering plants in their gardens is probably already doing pretty well at catering for pollinators, but we can make it even better by planning our planting scheme so there is something in flower in any given month,' she adds.

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Add a butterfly house

We're all familiar with the bug hotel and have seen plenty of bird box ideas, however, you might be less familiar with the butterfly box. This box is a great and easy way to learn how to attract butterflies to your garden. The butterfly box is similar to a traditional bird box in that it is a similar size and enclosed on all sides save for the entry and exit point. However, butterfly boxes have narrow slits in the front rather than a hole, supposedly to replicate the splits in a tree's bark. These slits help to protect the butterflies from predators and inclement weather.

'Butterfly houses are essential for providing butterflies with somewhere safe to shelter, rest and hibernate,' says Sarah Hancocks, projects manager at Vivara . 

(Image credit: Vivara)

'Place your butterfly house of choice in a sunny spot facing towards the south as this helps butterflies to warm up naturally. Hang it from approximately 1.5 metres and place it near nectar-rich flowers to attract them to the house. You can even make your butterfly house extra inviting by placing a few twigs upright inside the habitat to provide something for butterflies to cling to and rest.'

Adding a butterfly house is a great way to attract butterflies to your garden. Consider incorporating a butterfly house when you learn how to make a bug hotel or install a ready-made design straight into your garden.

Plants that attract butterflies

(Image credit: Mick Lavelle)

When designing a garden for pollinators it is important to remember that different pollinators require different shapes of flowers and some will only visits to feed on particular blooms and plants. 

In general, however, single, open flowers, such as old-fashioned cottage garden plants, are best to give easy access, and ideally planted in drifts and placed in a sunny, sheltered spot.

Pollinators don't like double, multi-petalled and highly hybridized flowers as they may lack pollen and nectar and be difficult to access. 

'Years of selection for increasingly showy blooms has resulted in flowers losing their attraction to pollinators, but there are plenty of traditional, cottage garden plants which are tip-top as far as these insects are concerned,' explains plantswoman Sarah Raven .

You should also consider flowers that attract bees as there is a lot of overlap between the favorite plants of each species. Like bees, butterflies like to stick their long tongue into tubular flowers and take nectar from a variety of colorful blooms, both native and non-native. Some of their favorites to add to your  flower bed ideas include:  

When considering how to attract butterflies, it is important to ensure that you have lots of different flowers available for our winged friends.

'There are some flowers which are so deep that they are much more accessible to butterflies and moths with longer tongues, such as phlox and dianthus. It is a good idea to plant a range of plants with different shapes that flower through the year,' explains Anthony McCluskey, project officer from Butterfly Conservation .  

'Butterfly borders can provide lots of food for other types of insects, like bees and hoverflies, too, so they will go a long way to helping local populations of other pollinators,' he adds.

'Which flowers are the best for pollinators is an area of intense research, and it is important to take all lists with a pinch of salt as they are so selective, and can give the wrong impression that there are only a few good plants when in fact there are many,' says Sarah Raven. 'As a general rule, it is the blue, mauve and purple spectrum of plants, which are richest for nectar.'

'Scent is more important for moths which fly in the evening and night; certain flowers become more heavily scented at these times – such as honeysuckle, night- scented phlox, evening primrose and jasmine. Planting these will help feed insects working the night shift,' says Anthony. 

Also plant for caterpillars

When it comes to spring, butterflies start to hunt for the perfect place to lay their eggs. Having favourable habitats in your garden is a great way to attract butterflies.

'Many adult moths and some butterflies can be catered for in gardens by providing plenty of plants for pollinators, while their caterpillars have more specific requirements. If you have space for a mixed grass meadow or a large patch of nettles in a sunny position you may be lucky and some species of butterfly may lay eggs,' recommends Dr Andrew Salisbury, Principal Entomologist with the RHS.

While many of us might view nettles as an unwanted and potentially dangerous weed, it is in fact a lifeline for many butterflies and moths. 'Without nettles the peacock, red admiral, and comma butterflies would only be occasional visitors in our gardens both in the UK and US,' explains experts at the Northumberland National Park .

Learn how to plant a wildflower meadow and consider not pulling out all the nettles you spot until after the caterpillars will have moved on. 

(Image credit: Getty Images)

What can you put out to attract butterflies?

Although summer sees the highest number of insect pollinators, they are around through most of the year, so need reliable food sources each season.  

In winter: 'Butterflies and bees hibernate in winter, so don't need to forage when it is truly cold, but it is good to think of having a food source in your garden from March to November and at least a few winter-flowering plants that can be used by bees on some warmer, sunny days in spring and autumn,' explains Sarah Raven.

Sarah's choices from November to February include chaenomeles, Clematis cirrhosa, eranthis, or winter aconites, Lonicera x purpusii, winter-flowering mahonias, such as 'Charity', and Viburnum tinud.

In spring: Adding spring choices, such as primrose, bugle and forget-me-nots extends the supply of nectar. 

In March, Sarah counsels to include crocus, Erica carnea, primrose and polyanthus, pulmonaria, rosemary, single snowdrops, violets and willow.

In autumn: Autumn options of aster, scabious and verbena, also extend the supply of nectar so valuable for providing butterflies with the energy to fly and mate.  

Year round: Some perfect choices for a range of pollinators throughout the year include ornamental and fruit tree blossoms, primulas, violents, muscari, chives, geraniums, achillea, umbels, nepeta, salvias, Japanese anemones, autumn crocusesm rudbeckias, dahlias, hellebores and sarcococca. 

Lavenders, particularly Lavandula x intermedia, attract a wide range of insects and, compared with borage, lots of butterflies and hoverflies as well as relatively more bumblebees to honeybees, advises Sarah.  

'Flowering shrubs and trees are incredible pollen and nectar providers. Ivy, too, if given the chance to mature and flower, is a tremendous late source of nectar and pollen, supporting a huge range of flies, bees, wasps and other insects,' says Helen Bostock from the RHS.  

And, while it may sound unconventional, you can also make a butterfly cocktail for wildlife from old beer and rum. Though this may sound unusual, the drink is loved by experts, and it's fun to make, too.

(Image credit: Photography / Sarah Davis / National Trust)

What to do if you see a tired butterfly?

Sometimes you might spot a tired looking butterfly lying on a path or patio. Flying is hard work, especially in the heat of the day. Thankfully, we can help them on their way.  'If you come across a butterfly who appears tired during the spring and summer, the best thing to do is to provide nectar-rich plants nearby to encourage it to refuel. If the butterfly doesn’t move onto the plant itself after a while, you can very gently move it to the flower to encourage it to feed. Ensure there is a butterfly house nearby as well so that it has somewhere safe to rest and recharge,' says Sarah Hancocks.

How do I attract butterflies?

The best way to attract and keep butterflies coming back, other than planting things butterflies love is to avoid using pesticides or herbicides, especially on flowers, as they can kill pollinators and also enter the food chain. Rewilding and organic gardening without chemicals will help all butterflies and other insects in your garden, and also promote an increase in beneficial insects. 

Think of the needs of butterflies and other pollinators through the different stages of their life and provide food, water and sheltered habitats:

What color best attracts butterflies?

Pink, purple, mauve or blue colors best attract butterflies. This is because these colored flowers are those that produce the most nectar. 

However, this is not a hard and fast rule. The colors preferred by butterflies can vary between the species, especially if they also lay their eggs on the flowers. 'Overall, though, there is no strong preference for flowers of any particular color, so any and all garden color schemes are useful for them,' adds Anthony McCluskey. 

His top five plant choices include: 

What do you put in a butterfly feeder?

The best things to put in butterfly feeders are probably things you already have at home. To start: if your butterfly feeder is in a color that attracts butterflies you will have a better chance that they will visit, so think pink, purple or blue – or other bright colors that mimic native flowers. 

What to feed butterflies with? Butterflies love nectar, but in place of that, put out overripe, mashed fruit, such as bananas, pears, oranges, melons, plums, berries and pineapple. Add water to the mashed fruits to make them easier for the butterflies, or put out clean, fresh water daily in a shallow dish with pebbles in so that butterflies can drink safely. 

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Leigh Clapp is a professional photographer with over 25 years experience, primarily as a garden specialist photojournalist but also with food and travel. She delights in exploring gardens, discovering the tiny elements to their overall essence and meeting lots of enthusiastic gardeners along the way. Leigh’s work appears in magazines, newspapers and books, both in the UK and abroad, including Period Living, Country Life, and Gardens Illustrated; as well as being sole photographer for a number of books, including Garden Details, Feng Shui in the Garden, Vertical Gardens and From the Garden – fresh seasonal cooking.

With contributions from

What plants will attract butterflies to your garden? Photo — Botanichka

When we moved into a house with a plot of land, I set myself the goal of growing plants that would attract butterflies. Since childhood, I have been very fond of these beautiful creatures and now I wanted to observe them together with my little son. The right butterfly garden should work like a good supermarket - that is, always have a rich assortment. In this article, I will talk about plants that are guaranteed to attract butterflies to the garden.

What plants attract butterflies?

Butterflies and plants

Butterflies, when flying, cover larger areas than bees, and practically all of their food consists of nectar. Pollen sticks to their bodies during feeding, so they carry it from flower to flower, pollinating them. But, unlike bees, they do not eat pollen. Butterflies love to stick their long proboscis into tubular flowers and collect nectar from a variety of colorful flowers. As a rule, butterflies are attracted to mauve and purple plants, which are the richest in nectar.

Pollinators dislike double, multi-petalled and highly hybridized flowers because they may lack pollen and nectar and are difficult to obtain nectar.

You can also build bird feeders to attract butterflies to your garden. It is better if the color of the feeder is attractive to butterflies. Then you will have more chances that they will fly to your garden. So think about pink, purple or blue, or other bright colors that mimic the colors of local flowers.

What to feed butterflies? Butterflies love nectar, but overripe, pureed fruits (bananas, pears, oranges, melons, plums, various berries) can be put in the feeder instead. Add water to fruit puree to make it easier for butterflies to drink. You can also pour clean, fresh water daily into a shallow bowl of pebbles so that the butterflies can drink safely.

The best way to attract and keep butterflies, other than planting flowers and building feeders, is to avoid using pesticides or herbicides, especially on flowers.

Years of selective breeding to produce the most spectacular blooms has resulted in the flowers losing their appeal to pollinators. However, there are many traditional garden plants that are the best for these insects. Consider some of the favorites of butterflies.

The best way to attract and keep butterflies, other than planting flowers and building feeders, is to avoid using pesticides or herbicides, especially on flowers

Flowers attractive to butterflies

Monarda

Reliable long-lived perennial with a characteristic foliage aroma. Grows in most regions (zones: 3-9) and requires little to no maintenance. Height from 30 centimeters to 1 meter.

Butterfly attraction : The nectar-rich tubular flowers are a food source for a wide range of pollinating insects, including butterflies.

Butterflies that attracts: Almost all diurnal butterflies, including whites, Phoebe checkers, swallowtails and pigeons.

Flower color : red, pink, lavender, violet, white.

Monarda

Aster perennial (Aster)

Thanks to their tenacious stems and nectar-rich flowers, asters are almost guaranteed to attract attention. These lovely perennials are also the perfect addition to a colorful, low maintenance butterfly garden.
Asters grow best when planted in well-drained soil and in full sun. Their daisy-like flowers are an important food source for butterflies at the end of the season.

What kind of butterflies does attract: lemongrass, admirals, peacock eye.

Flower color : blue, pink, purple, white.

Aster

Liatris spicata

Hardy perennial with narrow, grass-like leaves and tall, spire-like inflorescences of bright purple flowers. It is easy to grow and propagate. This is a low maintenance plant that brightens up a flower garden on hot summer days while other plants wilt in the heat. Plants grown from nodules will flower in the first year of planting.

What kind of butterflies does attract: burdock, lemongrass, hawthorn and many other butterflies.

Flower color : lavender, pink, purple, white.

Liatris spicata

Rudbeckia

Another long-flowering summer perennial, the closest relative of Echinacea. The flowers look like miniature sunflowers. A characteristic feature of the plant is the patterns on the petals, invisible to the human eye, which can only be seen by butterflies with ultraviolet vision.

Flowering time : all summer.

What kind of butterflies does attract: burdock, pigeon, dawn and others.

Flower color : bronze, gold, mahogany, orange or yellow, yellow with a dark centre.

Rudbeckia

Buddleia

This plant is popularly called the "butterfly bush" for a reason, because it is one of the best for attracting many butterflies. The plant belongs to the 5th zone of frost resistance, therefore, in the middle lane, its entire aerial part freezes over. The root is covered for the winter, young shoots grow over the summer and have time to bloom.

Flowering time : from summer to early autumn. Butterfly bush grows best in well-drained soil and in full sun.

What kind of butterflies does attract: almost all butterflies.

Flower color : blue, pink, purple, white, yellow, bicolour.

Buddleia

Echinacea

A favorite among birds, butterflies and bees, Echinacea is often the main attraction in natural flower gardens and butterfly gardens. Echinaceas grow best in well-drained soil and full sun, but they can also withstand heat, humidity, and drought. Their large, bright flowers not only attract pollinators but also add a classic aesthetic appeal to any landscape. In winter, many birds feed on their seeds.

Flowering time : mid-summer to early autumn.

Butterflies that attracts: many types of butterflies, including admirals, urticaria, peacock eye.

Flower colors : pink, purple, white, yellow, orange, red, green and bicolor.

Echinacea

Eutrochium

Has small flowers in large inflorescences and simple large leaves in whorls around the stem. It is easy to grow and the vanilla-scented flowers are irresistible to pollinators and serve as a late source of nectar.

Flowering time : mid-late summer to autumn. Plant it in well-drained garden soil, in partial to full shade.

What kind of butterflies does attract: peacock eye, admiral, urticaria.

Flower color : pink, purple, white.

Eutrochium

Nepeta

This is an easy care relative of mint. It blooms exceptionally long, making it a reliable source of nectar throughout the season for many pollinators, including honey bees and many species of butterflies.

Flowering time: from late spring to autumn.

Flower color : blue, lavender, pink, purple, white, yellow.

Nepeta

Solidago

Vigorous flower with showy flowers in the form of yellow feathers. Goldenrod usually grows along roadsides, in open meadows and in forests. Flowers are an important source of late-season nectar for many butterfly species. Modern varieties of goldenrod are more compact and spread more slowly.

Flowering time : late summer to autumn.

What kind of butterflies does attract: admiral, burdock, urticaria.

Flower color : yellow, white.

Goldenrod, Solidago

Lavender (Lavandula)

Who doesn't know the sweet scent of lavender? This beautiful perennial is popular with butterflies and humans. Lavender grows best in well-drained soil in full sun and thrives with minimal maintenance. Growing lavender in your "butterfly garden" will add a heady scent and lovely purple hues to your flower garden.

What kind of butterflies does attract: cabbage white, urticaria, mother-of-pearl, burdock.

Flower color : blue, lavender, pink, purple, white.

Lavender (Lavandula)

Phlox (Phlox)

Large group of flowering plants, which includes different shapes, sizes and colors. It is a reliable source of nectar. Clusters of tubular, star-shaped flowers attract many butterflies.

Which butterflies attract : whites, hawthorns, peacock eyes and others.

Flower color : blue, coral, orange, pink, purple, red, white, yellow, bicolour.

Phlox

Salvia

Sage is a favorite of flower growers and butterflies due to its magnificent flowers and low maintenance requirements. It grows well in medium, well-drained soil in full sun and flowers for several months. Its two-lipped tubular flowers are favored by many types of butterflies.

Flowering time : late spring to autumn.

What kind of butterflies does attract: cabbage, burdock, peacock eye.

Flower color : blue, coral, mauve, orange, pink, purple, white.

Sage (Salvia)

Leucanthemum superbum (Leucanthemum superbum)

A classic element of the country garden, it is a host plant and a source of nectar for many species of butterflies. Grows easily in medium, dry, well-drained soils in full sun. Remove wilted flower heads to encourage additional blooms. There are terry varieties.

What kind of butterflies does attract: cabbage, admiral, burdock, peacock eye.

Flower color : white or pale yellow with a dark yellow centre.

Leucanthemum superbum Sedum Achillea

Sedum

This diverse group of hardy drought tolerant plants is an important source of mid and late season nectar and host. Ground cover and upright forms are suitable for rock gardens and border strips. Many species of butterflies gravitate toward their nectar-rich star-shaped flowers.

Flowering time : summer-autumn.

What kind of butterflies does attract: admiral, burdock, urticaria.

Flower color : pink, white, yellow, red, purple, orange.

Read also our article: 10 flowers that will fill the garden with unique aromas

Yarrow (Achillea)

A must-have perennial for the "butterfly garden". Lush, bright yarrow flowers rise above delightful feathery foliage. They provide the perfect resting place for traveling butterflies. Grow yarrow in moist, well-drained soil in full sun.

Flowering time : from summer to early autumn.

What kind of butterflies does attract: mother-of-pearl, cabbage, admiral.

Flower color : yellow, red, purple, pink, coral, orange, white.

Butterfly garden. A photo. How to attract butterflies to your garden, making it truly magical?

Fans of watching the beautiful dances of butterflies in the air often want to attract as many of these beautiful creatures as possible to their garden, sometimes turning it into a real "butterfly garden". To achieve this, you need to know which types of plants attract butterflies and follow a few simple planting guidelines to create the perfect butterfly sanctuary for your garden. It is also important to know the characteristics of these beautiful insects. How to attract butterflies to the garden?

Photo: Plants with umbellate inflorescences are good for the "butterfly garden". Checkerboard and Ribbon Butterflies »»

Location

To create a butterfly corner in your garden, choose a calm location that receives six or more hours of direct sunlight

daily. Most garden plants favored by butterflies need bright sunlight, and insects themselves are sun lovers. It is better if the shadow in the "butterfly garden" is only in the afternoon.

To attract butterflies to your garden, try to group plants that are attractive to them in different parts of the garden. This will provide a variety of places for the butterflies to eat. Whether you are creating a new garden or looking for suitable corners in an existing one, choose a spot that has good visibility from a porch, patio, or window. So you can enjoy the bright colors and habits of the butterflies visiting you.

In these photos, the Admiral butterfly on a blooming buddley »»

Group flowering plants together in three or more varieties to create a variety of flower beds. A group of bright flowers of a similar color will be noticed by butterflies faster than a variegated or pale one. If arranging a flower garden along a fixed object, such as a wall, be sure to place tall and short plants so that they do not overlap each other and are attractive to butterflies: tall ones near the wall, low ones in the foreground, medium ones in the middle. Some butterflies are attracted by forest and meadow flowers, for such species flower beds in the style of a wild meadow, which are currently relevant, will be optimal.

Plants that provide butterflies' favorite nectar

The nectar and pollen of flowering plants provide butterflies with food. Sometimes butterflies are selective in their choice, therefore, in order to attract butterflies to the garden, it is necessary to plant a wide variety of flowers of different flowering periods so that the delicacy in the form of nectar and pollen in the "butterfly garden" is from spring to autumn.

When choosing plants for your butterfly garden, give preference to honey plants. and fragrant cultures, as well as with brightly colored petals and simple flowers or umbrella inflorescences: located on a flat surface It is easier for butterflies to get their own nectar and pollen.

Fine suitable for the "butterfly garden" perennials echinacea, valerian officinalis, Matron's Vespers , oregano , lavender, purple vine, liatris, penstemon, sage. Among annual flowers that attract butterflies, especially marigolds , zinnias, lantana and verbena , scabiosa, various spurges and violets.

source nectar can also be flowering shrubs, trees, for example, spirea , hawthorn, buddleya, bird cherry. Butterflies feed on the sap of trees, so the presence of trees in a large garden "butterfly garden" is mandatory, especially that the caterpillars of some of them live there, and the crown will become a protection for butterflies in bad weather.

In these photos beautiful butterfly Peacock eye. This time she is the object of her meal I chose an annual aster with a simple flat flower and bright marigolds.

. This plant is a prime candidate for a "butterfly garden". On the right photo, Ugolnitsa came to visit the buddley. On the left photo - Urticaria, treating itself to buddleya nectar.

How to attract butterflies to the garden and keep them there for a long time

Everyone knows that butterflies come from caterpillars. To keep butterflies in your garden for a long time, set up a butterfly garden in the vicinity of plants, where they can lay their eggs, and the caterpillars that come out later would feed on them. Let sometimes these plants be not too attractive, because the caterpillars partially eat the leaves! This minor inconvenience is more than made up for by the usefulness of butterflies, which will pollinate many plants in your area. Nettles, hops, violets, dill, carrots, alfalfa, clover, mallow, cabbage and other cultivated and wild plants are among the favorite plants of caterpillars.

Do not use chemicals in the garden to control plant diseases and pests. This reduces the number of butterflies. But the arrangement of a warm winter home for wintering butterflies will keep them on the site until next year. Any box that is insulated inside is suitable for this. Some of the butterflies will overwinter well in the attic or basement.

Butterfly Garden Arrangement

Individual elements provided in the butterfly garden can add pleasant moments to their lives. A puddle or shallow pool of rocks will provide water for the butterflies, and a few extra large rocks in the middle of the garden will provide a place for the butterflies to perch to rest and bask. By the way, there you can take pictures of them if you are creating a collection of amazing shots from the life of the garden. Birdbaths can also serve as a good addition to the "butterfly garden".

Some species of butterflies need sodium, which they absorb better when wet. They will gladly replenish it, settling down near a small reservoir, made of wet clay and sand.

To give the butterflies more pleasure, place pieces of overripe or rotten fruit in a separate dish or any container. Their sweet juice is loved by butterflies and is very nutritious. Autumn butterflies will be able to feast on them directly from the fruits that have ripened on the tree.

On these photo butterfly of the genus Belyanka. Moorish lawn or wild-style flower garden meadows planted with bluebells and fluttering white-winged butterflies will help you feel like you are in a blooming forest clearing, without even going outside the limits of your area.


Butterflies will fit into the natural style of the garden Checkers - clover and mouse peas are loved by them (photo).

Butterflies of Central Russia

Butterflies that are common in Russia can become inhabitants of the “butterfly garden” in central Russia. The most beautiful of them are Vanessa butterflies :
- Admiral . This butterfly can be observed from June to September. Her caterpillar feeds on nettles, hops, and thistles.
- Peacock eye . Wingspan up to 6 cm, you can admire it from July to autumn. Black butterfly caterpillars live on nettles, raspberries, and hops.
- Vanessa L - white . It occurs from July to late autumn, similar to urticaria. Its white caterpillar winters on aspens and willows.
- Urticaria - occurs from April to late autumn. The butterfly hibernates in attics, in basements, distinguishes red color, which attracts it. Dark caterpillars feed on nettles, sometimes hops.
- Polyflora - will decorate the butterfly garden from April to autumn. Its two-tone light-dark caterpillar winters in communities on willows and fruit trees.
- Big urticaria - similar to polyflora, but more brown in color with a white spot on the front wing at the top. It can be observed from July to late autumn. The dark blue caterpillar winters in groups on willows.

PLEASE READ: Plants for effectively masking slopes in the garden
- Spring motley wing . Its time is June - July. Summer motley wing appears in July, in September it is no longer found. The bright blue caterpillar of this butterfly lives in summer on nettles.

Butterflies of the genus Belyanka are among the first to delight our eyes after winter. This is the most numerous genus of butterflies in central Russia. Caterpillars of many of them can damage cabbage plants, and hawthorn - fruit.
- 9 appear first in April0281 turnip and swede , they are in the garden until late autumn. Because of the characteristics of their caterpillars, living on turnips and rutabaga got its name.
- Cabbage appears in June and disappears in late autumn, prefers flowers of red and similar colors. Its caterpillar feeds on cabbage plants.
- In July, lemongrass (jaundice) appears, it can be observed until late autumn. Since its caterpillars love buckthorn, another name for the genus Buckthorn.

Various species of the genus Checkers are already visible in April, they are not found in August. These butterflies like plantain and cornflowers.

Mother-of-pearl fly in June-July, Field mother-of-pearl - from May to October, their caterpillars live on violets.

Unfortunately, some species of butterflies in central Russia are endangered and are listed in the Red Book, among them the most beautiful - swallowtails, monarchs, red admiral, it is rare to find a mourner. By creating a "butterfly garden" we will help save them on planet

Of course, the work on creating a butterfly garden will take some time, but watching extraordinary creatures circling in the air or perched on a flower is worth it. What could be more beautiful than the duet "butterflies and flowers"!
In the photo: a rare visitor to the gardens - a beautiful butterfly Swallowtail, which flew to the pollen and nectar of cosmos. The simple structure of the flower is very convenient for planting a butterfly. In sunny, dry weather, there is especially a lot of pollen on the opened bud. So a modest flower with the help of an exquisite butterfly shows a luxurious picture, the author of which is Her Majesty Nature.

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