Most butterflies prefer some shelter from the high winds common along the Front Range. At the same time, they like open, sunny areas. Windbreak 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. Adult female butterflies spend time searching for food plants required by the immature caterpillar stage.
Most butterflies have specific host plants on which they develop.
For example, caterpillars of the monarch butterfly develop only on milkweed, while the black swallowtail feeds only on parsley, dill and closely related plants. When females find the proper host plant, they may lay eggs on it. Most species, however, fly away as adult butterflies. Food for adult butterflies usually consists of sweet liquids, such as nectar from flowers, that provide energy. Some flowers contain more nectar, and are more attractive to butterflies.