As was discussed in the first part of this series, butterflies need specific plants on which to lay their eggs. This is why it is important to know which butterflies are in your area and what type of plant is required if you hope to attract them. There are many kinds of butterflies in Central Florida. Here are some of the most popular, their wingspan, when they fly, and what are their host plants.:
American Lady, wingspan 2.1-2.7”, flies in Spring and Fall, host plant Cudweed
ZebraHeliconian, wingspan 2.3-4”, flies all year, host plant Passionvine
Red-Spotted Purple, wingspan 3-4”, flies Spring-Fall, host plants, Wild Cherry, Deerberry, Carolina Willow
Eastern Tiger Swallowtail, wingspan 3.7-6.8”, flies Spring-Fall, host plant Sweet Bay
Monarch, wingspan 3.4-5”, flies all year, host plant Milkweed
Great Southern White, wingspan 2.5-3.4”, flies all year, host plants Limber Capertree, Saltwort, Peppergrass
Aaron’s Skipper, wingspan 1.4-1.8”, flies Spring-Fall, host plants grasses
Little Wood Satyr, wingspan 1.6-1.9”, flies Spring, host plants grasses and sedges
Cloudless Sulphur, wingspan 2.5-3.1”, flies all year, host plants Sennas, Partridge Peas
Queen, wingspan 3.2-3.9”, flies all year, host plantsWhitevine, Swallowwart, Milkweeds
Common Buckeye, wingspan 1.6-2.7”, flies all year, host plants False Foxglove, Bluehearts, Toadflax
Hackberry Emperor, wingspan 1.9-2.6”, flies Spring-Fall, host plant Hackberries
Gulf Fritillary, wingspan 2.6-3.8”, flies all year, host plant Passionvines
Viceroy, wingspan, 2.7-3.4”, flies Spring-Fall, host plant Carolina Willow
Red Admiral, wingspan 2.3-3’, flies Spring-Fall, host plants Pellitory, False Nettle
Butterfly gardens are fun to plan and grow. Watching these beautiful creatures flit through your yard brings great pleasure and a sense of peace. Knowing you have contributed to the fascinating world of nature brings self-esteem for the gardener and a place for the butterflies to thrive.