Zebra Longwing - the Florida State Butterfly Butterfly gardens can vary in size from a few plants in a window box to large areas containing a complex variety of species. They can be designed to attract one or two species of butterfly or more than a dozen. You won't be able to attract butterfly species that are not present naturally in your region, nor can you grow plants that aren't adapted to the your particular soil and climate. The key to success is an understanding of the life cycle and food preferences of these amazing insects. Gulf Fritillary Adult butterflies have very short life span, from only a few days to a few weeks long in most cases.
Most adults feed solely on nectar produced by flowers.
They sip the nectar through a long hollow tube called a proboscis. Adult butterflies will visit a variety of nectar sources. They are generally attracted to brightly colored, simple flowers that are not to deep and that are large enough to permit easy landings. Try to plant a variety of flowers that will bloom over a period of many months to provide a stable nectar source. A number of weeds and wildflowers are also attractive to butterflies.