How to Entice Butterflies to Your Backyard

Lawn & Garden

Butterflies require habitats in which to feed during all four stages of their lives.
Nathan Blaney/Photodisc/­Getty Images

Butterflies are beautiful and somewhat enigmatic. This is a perfect blend to ignite our imaginations. They emerge in our artwork, poetry, and even in our tattoos. So with over 20,000 species of butterflies worldwide and over 700 species living solely in North America, why aren’t they appearing in your backyard [source: North American Butterfly Association]?

First, it’s important to comprehend the life cycle of a butterfly since it has unique needs during different phases of life. Butterflies mature through a four-stage metamorphosis, beginning as an egg. A larva (caterpillar) emerges from the egg and transforms into a chrysalis (pupa) before finally evolving into an adult. Food preferences differ during each stage of life – for example, larvae enjoy leafy greens, but the majority of adult butterflies eat a liquid nectar diet that they suck through a long, tubular mouthpiece known as a proboscis.

Adults can live anywhere from a few days to around six months, with most lasting about 10 to 20 days – it depends on the species and the number of predators in the vicinity. Butterflies attract a considerable number of predators, including birds, bats, snakes, toads, monkeys, and even humans. Birds, in particular, love snacking on caterpillars.

Butterflies are only seeking a few basic things in life: protection from predators, sunlight for basking, and flower nectar for sipping, which, incidentally, makes them excellent pollinators. They’re also searching for the right location to lay their eggs. Your yard may be sunny, and flowers may be blooming, but just as people have specific preferences, so do butterflies. Let’s learn the tips that will have butterflies flocking to your yard.

Attracting Butterflies

Leafy green plants provide butterflies with shelter and a spot to rest.
Luis Castaneda Inc./The Image Bank/Getty Images

Transforming your yard into a butterfly-friendly haven is as simple as providing the right plants for each stage of the butterfly’s life. Two common ways of attracting butterflies are by planting the correct plants in your yard and constructing butterfly feeders.

To lure butterflies to your yard, you must first grab their attention. Butterflies are fond of clusters of brightly colored, fragrant flowers such as marigolds and zinnias, which can be planted in butterfly gardens, existing vegetable gardens, or in containers. The most alluring backyard garden will include a varied mix of native flowers, offer protection from the wind and rain, and receive ample sunlight. Shallow water sources, such as mud puddles, are also essential items on the menu.

Don’t forget to feed the larvae – it’s crucial to offer a buffet that’s appealing at every stage of the butterfly’s life, and caterpillars prefer leafy green shrubs and grasses. They also seek sheltered shrubs on which to form a chrysalis.

What complicates things is that not all butterflies consume nectar. Some species of butterfly are attracted to rotting fruits, sap, and even feces and urine. However, catering to these needs is also simple. Try planting fruit trees and allowing the fruit to drop on the ground and decompose. Or try composting. Toss kitchen and yard waste (including fruits) into your compost pile, and you’ll create a haven for all sorts of insects, including butterflies.

To attract butterflies to your yard, avoid using commercial pesticides and fertilizers as they contain chemicals that can harm butterflies. Instead, opt for homemade organic fertilizer from your compost heap. Don’t be afraid to let your yard get a little wild as butterflies need shelter and food. If you do not have a yard, you can still attract adult butterflies with a hanging butterfly feeder or butterfly house. There are two types of feeders, jar and plate, that can be easily made with items from your kitchen. Jar feeders are filled with sugar water and attract butterflies with nectar diets while plate feeders with rotten fruit attract butterflies with fruit tastes. Hang the feeders a few feet above the ground and keep the treats flowing. Finally, grab your binoculars to spot the small and skittish butterflies hiding in the foliage. Check out the “Lots More Information” section for additional resources on butterfly gardening.

FAQ

1. What plants should I have in my backyard to attract butterflies?

Butterflies are attracted to flowers that offer nectar, so it’s best to have a variety of plants that bloom throughout the season. Some popular options include butterfly bush, milkweed, coneflower, zinnias, and black-eyed Susans.

2. How can I create a butterfly-friendly environment?

Butterflies need both food and shelter. In addition to providing nectar-rich flowers, you can also add host plants where female butterflies can lay their eggs. Creating a water source, such as a small pond or bird bath, can also be helpful.

3. What should I avoid using in my backyard to attract butterflies?

Avoid using pesticides and herbicides, as they can harm butterflies and other beneficial insects. Additionally, planting non-native species or invasive plants can be harmful to local ecosystems.

4. How can I make sure my backyard stays butterfly-friendly?

Regularly maintaining your garden by removing weeds, deadheading flowers, and pruning plants can help ensure that your backyard remains a welcoming environment for butterflies.

5. What type of sunlight is best for butterfly-friendly plants?

Most butterfly-friendly plants prefer full sun, but some can tolerate partial shade. It’s important to research the specific requirements of the plants you are interested in before planting.

6. Can I attract butterflies without having a large backyard?

Yes! Even a small container garden with a few butterfly-friendly plants can attract these beautiful insects.

7. What type of soil is best for butterfly-friendly plants?

Butterfly-friendly plants generally prefer well-draining soil with a neutral pH. If your soil is not ideal, adding compost or other organic matter can improve its quality.

8. How can I provide shelter for butterflies in my backyard?

You can create a butterfly house by filling a small wooden box with twigs, leaves, and other natural materials. Placing the box in a sheltered area of your backyard can provide a safe space for butterflies to rest and lay their eggs.

9. Can I attract butterflies without using flowers?

While flowers are the primary way to attract butterflies, you can also provide a sugar water solution in a shallow dish. This can be a useful supplement to flowers, especially during times when nectar sources are limited.

10. How can I identify different types of butterflies in my backyard?

There are many field guides and websites available to help you identify different species of butterflies. You can also try taking photos and using an online identification tool.

11. How can I involve my children in attracting butterflies to our backyard?

Children can help plant butterfly-friendly flowers and create a butterfly house. They can also observe and identify different butterfly species, which can be a fun and educational activity.