The total butterfly garden takes into account the food preferences of both the adult butterflies and their caterpillars. Many butterfly species will drink nectar from a variety of flowering plants, but their caterpillars often are greatly limited in the number of plants on which they can feed. It is not necessary to plant larval food plants to attract butterflies, but adults tend to stay fairly close to the areas where larval food can be found.

All this requires planning. There are a few basic rules to follow. You can be as creative as you wish, but you must start with a plan that considers the requirements of the butterflies you wish to attract and the plants you will use to lure them.

Of the 760 butterfly species that occur in North America, about 250 species are native to the Southwest. Not to be confused with moths, butterflies have lobes on the ends of their antenna while moths have fluffy antenna and no lobes. 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, and adult. Butterfly eggs are laid on the larval food plant and caterpillars emerge within a few days. Some species over winter in this stage. These larva have enormous appetites and do nothing else but eat. When their skin is stretched as far as possible, they molt and shed the old 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. 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 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. Some universal nectar favorites include: zinnias, marigolds, daisies, thistles, and butterfly bush. Flowers in the composite family (e.g. daisies) and flowers in clusters are also good. Double flowered varieties of cultivated flowers are never as good as the single ones. White varieties are inferior to other colors. Having a wide assortment of flowers is preferable to having just a few different kinds or a variety of similar flower types.

Some native and desert adapted plants that provide nectar for butterflies include: red bird of paradise, yellow cosmos, yellow lantana, purple verbena, Mexican sunflower, dalea, catclaw acacia, and chaste tree. 

Larval 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 won 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 will ultimately be chewed on if you are successful. Many caterpillars prefer herbaceous plants, such as herbs and vegetables. Most butterfly gardeners are quite happy to share their carrots and dill for the pleasure of the company of black swallowtails. They simply plant some extra for the caterpillars. Other larval food plants include: pine leaf milkweed, Baja fairy duster, desert senna, black dalea, passion flower, velvet mesquite, and desert hackberry.

A new publication entitled "Desert Butterfly Gardening" has been released by the Arizona Native Plant Society and the Sonoran Arthropod Studies Institute. It is filled with great information about the types of butterflies that are common to the desert Southwest. Colored photos of butterflies and the plants that attract them are included. A comparative plant table lists native and desert adapted plants which provide larval and nectar food. A comparative butterfly table lists butterflies native to the Southwest along with their range, flight period and food plants.

For more information on butterfly gardening an informative pamphlet entitled "Desert Butterfly Gardening" has been produced by the Arizona Native Plant Society and the Sonoran Arthropod Studies Institute. It is available for purchase at many local nurseries and botanical gardens. It may also be obtained through the Arizona Native Plant Society, P.O. Box 41206, Sun Station, Tucson, Az. 85717.

Written by John Begeman, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, the University of Arizona, 520-626-5161.
Material originally appeared in Arizona Daily Star gardening column, on April 26, 1998
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