After reaching a certain size, the caterpillars eat no more, form pupae, and within a week or two, depending upon the temperatures, emerge as adult butterflies. The new, adult males begin searching for mates, while the females begin searching for new hostplants on which to lay their eggs. As the butterflies are searching, they require a source of energy to keep their strength up, and that s where the nectar sources come in. Nectar sources are flowering plants that provide pollen and nectar to the adult butterflies. The nectar provides the sugars needed to sustain life for the butterfly.
Some butterflies can even digest pollen, which provides needed proteins.
Fortunately, butterflies are only somewhat, picky-eaters when it comes to the flowers they choose as nectar sources. A flower that is desired by one kind of butterfly is likely to be desired by other kinds as well. However, people and butterflies don t always agree on what makes a great flower. For example, lots of people like roses. Roses are very beautiful and have an extremely pleasant fragrance.