The Sky is Alive with Butterflies! from Marvin

We have arrived at that time of year when everything comes together beautifully and mystical creatures take to the sky— the butterflies. Terri and I spent some of last weekend north of Jensen Beach on A1A riding our bikes. The butterflies were everywhere! In some moments, the Great Southern Whites were circling us both as we rode. The Whites’ habitat is only on the coast as their larval food is the native Saltwort. Males are white and the females are a creamy color. Take a ride this summer along the beach and you’ll be encircled.

The word butterfly originated from the buttery color of the Brimstone Butterfly, a common butterfly in Europe which was the first to emerge in Spring. Butterflies give us a feeling of rebirth as we move from Winter to Spring. Our Zebra Longwing and Gulf Fritillary are with us in great number all year long while the Monarch, Swallowtail, and Sulphur populations increase as we move into Summer. It’s important to have the right larval and nectar food to keep them coming back to your garden.

Zebra Longwing, Gulf Fritillary, and the Julia love to feed on the Passion Vines, both native and non-native varieties. Native Passions are the Corky Stem (Passiflora suberosa) and the Maypop (Passiflora incarnata). The best non-native Passions are ‘Incense’ and ‘Lavender Lady’. Stay away from the reds and maroon-colored flowers, unless you absolutely need that color in your garden. The Zebra Longwing is one of my favorites and also the State butterfly. They just bob along as they fly, never in any hurry.

Monarchs are seen fairly commonly in this area, but populations of adults increase as we warm up in Spring. Milkweed, milkweed, and more milkweeds are needed for their larva. Many different Milkweeds can be used as larval food, native and non-native. Monarchs migrate long distances in the Fall and Spring each year so nectar food is also important to keep them flying. They love liquids, and will happily eat sugar water if placed in a feeder. The Queen butterfly is also part of this family.

The Sulfurs are yellow-winged creatures and very easy to identify as they streak across the sky. Larval foods are Cassias that have yellow flowers. These are either bushes or small trees.

There are many other butterflies that live in the State and they can be seen throughout the year. To attract the adults we found that a small 10×10 garden is all you need to welcome them and keep them visiting. By having both larval and nectar food in this garden you will be able to support a thriving community of butterflies. It really is so easy.

Come visit us for butterfly plants or take one of our classes to learn how the activity of butterfly gardening can be great fun for the whole family! Kids really get excited to watch the life-cycle of these whimsical creatures.