Attracting Butterflies

Butterflies, like hummingbirds, are attracted to bright colors. Reds and yellows seem to be particularly favorable to them. But, more than that, you'll want to consider their preferred food sources and what plants they prefer to lay their eggs on. 

Fender's Blue Butterfly

Some butterflies will only lay eggs on a specific type of plant. For example, the Fender's Blue Butterfly in Oregon will only lay its eggs on the Kincaid's Lupine. The caterpillars hatch out before winter and hibernate among the roots of the plant. Then in the spring they emerge and feed on the leaves before forming their cocoon. 

So it's worth it do to a little research on the types of Butterflies in your region. Usually a quick google search of "Butterflies Your State" or "Butterflies Your County" will give you an idea of who lives in your area. 

If you live in the patch of the Monarch Butterfly migration you might try planting some milkweed (choose a variety that's native to you) to encourage the females to stop in for a meal and lay their eggs after wintering in Mexico. 

Water

Butterflies are delicate and sensitive to heat. They love damp and moist areas, but can't land on open water. So even if you have a pond or birdbath, you'll have to provide a special "puddling" area for your butterflies. 

Rain gardens or man-made marsh areas can provide your butterflies with adequate watering areas. Or you can make something a bit more mobile. 

Take a shallow container and put about an inch of sand in it. Add water until damp, but not soaked. You don't want huge amounts of standing water. Your butterflies will be happy with the moistness.

Food

While most species of butterfly can get their nutritional needs fulfilled exclusively from native plants, it doesn't mean that they won't appreciate a treat every once in a while. 

Overripe fruit is a particular favorite since, as fruit ages, more and more of the starch gets converted into sugar. That's why bananas are sweetest right before they go bad. 

Some people recommend taking an overripe banana, poking holes in it with a toothpick, and then drizzling it with gatorade. Don't drown it, just add enough to make the whole thing damp. The butterflies will appreciate the sweet treat and dose of electrolytes from the gatorade to boot. 

Shelter

Where do Butterflies go when it rains?

They delicate little beauties will seek shelter wherever they can find it around your habitat. You can make it easier for them by making sure there are plenty of draft free, cozy little clefts for them to hide in. 

Man made butterfly houses offer another option. 

Wrapping up

It's very easy to provide everything butterflies need for a complete habitat. It's a bonus that most of the plants they like are pretty attractive as well, making it easy to put together a simple but gorgeous garden. So whether you've got a huge yard or an apartment balcony, you can create a beautiful butterfly sanctuary.