The big question for concerned and enthusiastic nature lovers is, “How do I attract the butterfly to my own backyard?” The answer is in understanding the butterfly’s life cycle. Butterflies begin as tiny eggs, which have been laid by an adult on organic matter that the caterpillar will eat upon hatching from the egg. Each species has a certain organic matter it is attracted to. Most butterfly caterpillars will eat leaves and stems of the plant they are laid upon. There is one, however, that loves to eat aphids - the Harvester.

The caterpillar spends most of its time eating, growing and shedding its skin. After it reaches its full size, a protective shell forms, and inside the shell an amazing metamorphosis occurs. The hard shell of the cocoon breaks open to reveal an ugly pupa. Before your very eyes, the sticky wings of the adult butterfly will unfurl and steal your heart with each flutter. Never attempt to assist the young adult in the unfurling, as your touch can stop his progress. Part of the metamorphic process is the butterfly’s triumph over his adversity in entering the world.

You can be a part of this process, however, by being a prudent observer and facilitator. Planting certain plants and shrubs in your yard is step one. In our area, milkweed is a natural attraction for Monarchs. Parsley, dill and fennel are great for the Black Swallowtail, but the Giant Swallowtail eats citrus leaves.

While Fritillary prefers passion vines, Sulfurs feed on cassias. When you see butterflies in your garden, try to see if they are drinking nectar from flowers or just sitting on certain plants. This will help you become familiar with the types in your garden and aid you in deciding which plants you should add to attract more and different species.

Butterflies are migratory. Many butterflies that summer in your garden will go south to Mexico when the temperatures plummet. The same is true of many other species in North America, so fall is an ideal time to do your butterfly spotting. Those that live in the northern states may be journeying across the northshore on their way farther south.

Cloudless Sulphurs, Mourning Cloaks, Question Marks, Queens and Monarchs are good examples of some of our migratory visitors. Since these arrive as adult butterflies, it is important to have their chuck wagons ready. Adults love to eat nectar from plants such as lantana, penta, yarrow, and milkweed. They also enjoy salvia, ageratum, shrimp plant, butterfly bush and verbena. If your garden lacks these plants, don’t despair! Some butterflies enjoy juice from fruit. Cut it fresh into flat slices and place in sunny spots in the garden. The sunshine that helps flowers bloom is also a critical source of energy for butterflies. Stones and decaying logs placed among the flowers will provide places for the adult butterflies to sleep.

Young as well as old will be fascinated for hours with the beauty and mystery butterflies will add to your garden. Remember that nature is our greatest teacher, and you have the ultimate blackboard right in your own backyard! Start a journal of northshore butterflies with your family today to become a part of the wonderful gift of nature’s metamorphosis.

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