Adult butterflies also feed on fluids such as nectar from flowers. Butterfly visiting will increase when environmental needs are met. Gardening practices used to attract and retain butterflies often differ from regular gardening practices. Dozens of butterfly species commonly occur along the Front Range and eastern Colorado. The presence of butterflies in the yard is a welcome addition for many people.
Butterflies often appear to be just passing through, occasionally stopping for a drink of nectar.
However, some gardeners may wish to prolong the stay of these colorful insects and to draw in others by providing food and shelter required by butterflies. An area can be made more attractive to butterflies if it can provide the proper environment sought by the insects. Most butterflies prefer some shelter from high winds common along the Front Range and at the same time, open sunny areas. Windbreak types of plantings or other means of sheltering the butterfly garden can help provide a suitable physical environment. Maintaining a damp slightly salty area in the yard may attract groups of these butterflies.