The real secret to successful butterfly gardening is growing hostplants as well as nectar sources. Butterflies tend to stay in the vicinity longer and return more frequently when both hostplants and nectar sources are present. And besides, it s much more interesting to grow both. When hostplants are present, you can frequently observe butterfly mating rituals, egg-laying, caterpillars forming pupae, and the adult butterflies emerging from pupae. You can also transfer caterpillars or the butterflies eggs from the hostplant to a terrarium inside your home.
Teachers can do the same in the classroom.
It s a wonderful way to stimulate young minds about the mysteries of life. The hostplants needed by each type of butterfly is highly specific to each butterfly species. Most types of butterflies only lay their eggs on one or two species of plants and if laid on the wrong plant, the caterpillars will not survive. For example, the Monarch butterfly lays its eggs exclusively on members of the Milkweed family, and its caterpillars do well when feeding on milkweeds. If a Monarch caterpillar falls off the milkweed plant and climbs up any other plant, it will likely die of starvation.