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EXTENSION
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UNIVERSITY OF
~~ ,.,, ~~ FLORIDA
W EC-21
Cooperative Extension Service
Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences
Butterfly Gardening in Floridal
Joe Schaefer, Craig N. Huegel, and Frank J. Mazzotti2
Background
Butterfly Facts and Biology
Few outdoor activities are more rewarding and
easily available than attracting butterflies to a
well-designed butterfly garden. Creating a butterfly
garden can be as simple as planting a windowsill box
or as complex as landscaping many acres. To be
successful in any situation, however, requires the
correct choice of plants.
The total butterfly garden takes into account the
food preferences of both adult butterflies and their
caterpillars. Many butterfly species will drink nectar
from a variety of flowering plants, but their caterpillars
often are greatly limited in the number of plants on
which they can feed. It is not necessary to plant larval
food plants to attract butterflies, but adults tend to stay
fairly close to the areas where their larval food plants
can be found.
All of this requires planning. There are a few basic
rules to follow. You can be as creative as you wish, but
you must start with a plan that considers the
requirements of the butterflies you wish to attract and
the plants you will use to lure them.
Butterfly gardening is an exacting (not difficult)
pursuit and must be based on butterfly preferences-not
human ones. Luckily, butterfly and human favorites are
mostly compatible.
Of the 760 butterfly species that occur in North
America, about: 100 can be found in Florida. These do
not include the skippers (of which Florida is home to
an additional 70 species). Skippers, which are not listed
in this publication, have relatively stout bodies and
shorter wings than true butterflies. Moths are different
from butterflies and skippers by having fluffy antenna
instead of a club at the end. Other differences are that
moths are active at night, and tend to hold their wings
open while feeding or resting.
There are i'our stages in the amazing butterfly life
cycle: egg, larva, chrysalis (resting), and adult.
Butterfly eggs are laid on the larval food plant and
caterpillars emerge within a few days. Some species
overwinter in this stage. These larva have enormous
appetites and do nothing but eat. When their skin is
stretched as far as possible, they molt or shed that skin.
After a few molts, they seek a sheltered place. Some
spin a safety belt that holds them upside down on a
twig or similar object, while others hang on with
special hooks on their abdomen. At this time, the final
molt takes place and the larva skin is replaced with a
stiff butterfly chrysalis (pupa). During this stage, the
once worm-like caterpillar transforms into a beautiful,
flying adult.
1. This document is WEC-21, one of a series of the Wildlife Ecology and Conservation department ,Florida Cooperative Extension Service, Institute of Food
and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida. Publication: December, 1990, as SS-WIS-26. Reviewed: January, 1999. Please visit the EDIS Web site at
htt p://edis.ifas.ufl.edu
2. Joe Schaefer, Ph.D., associate professor, Craig N. Huegel, former assistant: extension scientist, Pinellas Country, and Frank J. Mazzoni, Ph.D., assistant
professor, Wildlife Ecology mid Conservation department, University of Florida, Everglades REC, Belle Glade, FL 33130, Florida Cooperative Extension
Service, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida. Gainesville. 3261 !.
The Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer authorized to provide research,
educational information and other services only to individuals and institutions that function without regard to race, color, sex, age, handicap,
or national origin. For information on obtaining other extension publications, contact your county Cooperative Extension Service office.
Florida Cooperative Extension Service /Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences /University of Florida /Christine Taylor Waddill, Dean
Butterfly Gardening in Florida Page 2
Butterflies
Most adult butterflies found in Florida feed on
flower nectar. Some visit a variety of flowers and
others seem to prefer a more specialized menu.
Butterflies generally are attracted to brightly colored
simple flowers that are not too deep and that are wide
enough for good perching platforms. Universal nectar
favorites include: phlox, zinnias, asters, marigolds,
daisies, coneflowers, black-eyed Susan, milkweeds,
thistles, and butterflybush. Flowers in the composite
family (e.g. daisies and asters) and flowers in clusters
(e.g. milkweed and viburnum) also are good.
Double-flowered varieties of cultivated flowers are
never as good as the single ones.
White varieties are inferior to other colors as far as
butterflies are concerned. A wide assortment of flowers
is preferable to having just a few different kinds or a
variety of similar flower types. As a rule, small
butterflies nectar from small flowers and large
butterflies nectar from larger ones. Flowers that
produce the most scent generally furnish the most
nectar. Nectar also should be available for the greatest
number of months possible. Therefore, it is best to
choose your flowers so that at least some of them are
always blooming. Remember that many flowers are not
designed to be pollinated by butterflies and are seldom,
if ever, visited by them.
Adults of some butterfly species rarely visit
flowers but instead are attracted to aphids, manure,
rotting fruit, mud, or tree sap.
Planning Your Garden
Butterfly Basics
You can't attract butterfly species that are not present
naturally in your region, nor can you grow plants that
aren't adapted to the soils and climate in your region of
the state. Butterfly gardening should not try to improve
nature but complement it as the best horticultural
practices have always done. Follow these easy steps to
plan your garden.
Your Butterfly Region Map
Look at the map provided (Figure 1) and determine
the region in which you live.
~~' ~ I .'..-.~~ t. ~.- I+ a ~-- -.~~ ~:
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Butterfly ~ }..:.~_::,; -: ~;
Regions _ __ ~,....~'~:~.
« .w(
--• ..~: -
_ ~.I. ..
`.... ...1 .«....
,_ --•-
Caterpillars
Larval (caterpillar) food plants must be tailored to
specific butterflies. Some plants are hosts to several
different butterflies (e.g., passion vine), but often each
species requires its own plant. So, unless you have
acres of land at your disposal, you will have to be
selective in your plantings for specific butterflies. You
also must remember that these plants ultimately will be
chewed on if you are successful.
Birds and other predators are quick to eat these
larva so few reach adulthood or get large enough to do
extensive damage. In fact, very few butterfly species
(unlike moths) cause significant problems to vegetable
gardens. Most feed singly or in small groups, as their
eggs are laid. Most butterfly gardeners are quite
pleased to share their carrots and dill for the pleasure
of the company of black swallowtails; they simply
plant some extra for the caterpillars. If you must use
insecticides, use them sparingly as they are just as
deadly to butterflies as they are to other insects.
"" (a
7 IN~Y~1
Figure 1. Florida's seven butterfly regions.
Your Butterfly Region Table(s)
Then, look i'or your region in the Florida butterflies
tables (Tables 1-9), highlight the species that occur in
your area, and use habitats that can be found within 1/4
mile of the site you are considering for your butterfly
garden.
Butterfly nectar plants by region. Table 10
lists butterfly nectar plants for north and central Florida
(regions 1-4). Table l 1 lists butterfly nectar plants for
south Florida rel~ons 5-7).
January 1999
Butterfly Gardening in Florida Page 3
Keys to using the tables
Determine the larval and adult foods for each
species from the tables. Butterflies tend to stay
fairly close to the areas where their natural larval food
plants can be found.
The "flight season" indicates the months when
the adults are active.
Note: If you ar•e rtot interested in trying to attract
the greatest variety of butterflies, you can select plants
front the butterfly nectar sources listed at the ertd of
this publication. This npproach also will help you to
create a beautiful garden that also is appealing to
some butterfly species.
Keys to the tables
Table 4. Metalmark Butterflies
Table 5. Snout Butterflies
Table 6. Brushfooted Butterflies
Table 7. Goatweed Butterflies
Table 8. Nymphs and Satyrs
Table 9. Milkweed Butterflies
Table 10. Butterfly Nectar Plants. North and Central
Florida: Regions 1 - 4.
Table 11. Butterfly Nectar Plants. South Florida:
Regions 5 - 7.
Selected References
Gerberg, E. J., and R. H. Arnett, Jr. 1989. Florida butterflies.
Natural Science Publications, Inc., Baltimore. 90 pp.
Howe, W. H. 1975. The butterflies of North America.
Doubleday & Company, Inc., Garden City. 633 pp.
Table 1. Swallowtails
Table 2. Sulfurs, Whites, and Orange-tip Butterflies
Table 3. Hairstreaks, Coppers, and Blue Butterflies
January 1999
Butterfly Gardening in Florida Page 4
Table 1, Swallowtails
Key for Larval and Adult Foods: " =non-native species; " =non-native species, not recommended for planting because of its tendency to
spread and adversely affect natural communities.
S ecies of Butterfl Re ions Habitats Fli ht Season
Pipevine Swallow 1-4 fields,_gardens, wetlands, Feb.-Nova,
orchards .
Larval Foods: Herbaceous plants--Dutchman's pipe (Aristolochia spp.)
Adult Foods: Other Adult Foods-Flowers, nons ecific
Gold Rim Swallowtail 1-5 disturbed areas,. All year
gardens, fields
Larval Foods: Herbaceous plants-Dutchman's pipe (Aristolochia spp.)
Adult Foods: Shrubs and Vines-Lantana Lantana Camara
Zebra swallowtail 1-7 wetlands March-Dec.
Larval Foods: Shrubs and Vines-Pawpaw (Asimina spp,)
Adult Foods: Other Adult Foods-Flowers, nons ecific
American swallowtail 1-7 open `areas All year
Larval Foods: Herbaceous plants-Parsley (Umbelliferae)* ;and Wild carrot (Daucus carota)
Adult Foods: Other Adult Foods-Flowers, nons ecific
Giant swallowtail 1.7 open areas, forest edges, citrus All year
'
groves
'
Larval Foods: Trees-Citrus trees (Citrus spp.)* and Common hoptree (Ptelea trifoliata); Shrubs and Vines-
Torchwood (Amyris elemifera)
Adult Foods: Other Adult Foods-Flowers, nons ecific and manure
'Schaus'swailowtail `' 7 `tropical hammock, May-July
Larval Foods: Trees-Bay, red (Persea borbonia); Shrubs and Vines-Torchwood (Amyris elemifera)
Adult Foods; Unknown
Easterhtiger swallowtail 1-fi open areas, orchards, gardens March-Nov.
Larval Foods: Trees-Ash (Fraxinus spp.), Plums (Prunus spp.), Yellow poplar (Liriodendron tulipifera)
Adult Foods: Other adult foods-Carrion, flowers-nons ecific, and mud
Spicebush swallowtail (Figure 2) 1-7 forest edges,` we#lands, fields, March-Dec.
gardens
Larval Foods: Trees-Bays (Persea spp.), Camphor tree (Cinnamomum camphor,)**, Pines (Pinus spp.), Prickly ash
(Zanthoxylum coriaceum), Sassafras (Sassafras albidum); Shrubs and Vines-Spicebush (Linder, benzoin)
Adult Foods; Flowers, nons ecific and Mud
Laurel swallowtail 1-6 swamps March-Dec.
Larval Foods: Trees-Avocado (Persea americana)*, Bay, red (Persea borbonia), Bays (Persea spp.), Sweet bay
(Magnolia virginiana)
Adult Foods: Flowers, nons ecific and Mud
January 1999
Butterfly Gardening in Florida Page 5
Table 2. Sulfurs, Whites, and Orange-tip Butterflies
Key for Larval and Adult Foods: * =non-native species; ** =non-native ;species, not recommended for planting because of Its tendency fo
spread and adversely affect natural communities
S ecies of Buttertl Re ions Habitats Flight Season
Florida white 5-7 hardwood hammocks, wetlands All year
Larval Foods: Shrubs and Vines--Capers (Capparis spp.), Guiana plum (Drypetes /ateriflora)
Adult Foods: Unknown
Checkered white i-7 disturbed areas, fields March-NoV.
Larval Foods: Herbaceous Plants--Mustards (Cruciferae), Peppergrass (Lepidium virginicum), Spider flower (Cleome
spinosa)*
Adult Foods: Herbaceous Plants--Mustards Cruciferae , F'e er rass Le idium vir inicum
European cabbage butterfly 1-7 gardens, fields March-Nov.
Larval Foods: Herbaceous Plants--Mustards (Cruciferae), Nasturtiums (Tropaeolaceae)*, and Watercress (Nasturtium
officinale)*
Adult Foods: Unknown
Great southern white 2-7 beaches, salt marshes, coastal strand All year
Larval Foods: Herbaceous Plants--Mustards (Cruciferae), Peppergrass (Lepidium virginicum), Saltwort (Batis
maritima), Spider flower (Cleome spinosa)*
Adult Foods: Other Adult Foods--Flowers, nons ecific
Falcate orange tip Liberty deciduous forests, oak-pine forests March-April
County
Larval Foods: Herbaceous Plants--Avocado (Persea americans), Bittercress (Cardamine spp.), Mustards (Cruciferae)
Adult Foods: Herbaceous Plants--Pe er rass Le idium vir inicum
Orange sulfur butterfly 1-7 open'areas, alfalfa fields March-Dec.
Larval Foods: Herbaceous Plants--Beans (Fabaceae), Clover, sweet (Melilotus spp.), Vetch (vices spp.)
Adult Foods: Other Adult Foods--Flowers, nons ecific and Mud
Cammon'sulfur 1-2 open areas, pastures March-Dec:
Larval Foods: Herbaceous Plants--Clover, white (Trifoliumspp.)
Adult Foods: Unknown
:Eastern dogface 1-6 sandhills, scrub, flatwoods All year
Larval Foods: Shrubs and Vines--Dales (Dales spp.); Herbaceous Plants--Alfalfa (Medicago sativa)*, Clover, sweet
(Melilotus spp.), Lead plant (Amorpha spp.), Soybean (G/yc:ine max)*
Adult Foods: Shrubs and Vines--Dales (Dales spp.); Herbaceous Plants--Alfalfa (Medicago sativa)', Clover, sweet
Melilotus s . ,Lead lant Amor has . , So bean GI cane max)*
Large orange sulfur 4-7 scrub March-Dec.
Larval Foods: Shrubs and Vines--Blackbeard (Pithecellobium keyense), Cat claw (Pithecellobium unguis-catr);
Herbaceous Plants-Senna (cassia spp.)
Adult Foods: Shrubs and Vines-Lantana Lantana Camara ;Herbaceous Plants-Hibiscus Hibiscus s
Cloudless sulfur ` 1-7 , open areas, gardens, bcaaches,;wetlands All year
Larval Foods: Herbaceous Plants--Clovers (Trifolium spp.), Partridge pea (C~rssia fasciculata), Senna (cassia spp.)
Adult Foods: Trees--Geiger tree (Cordia sebestena); Shrubs and Vines-Contains (Lantana spp.); Herbaceous Plants--
Hibiscus Hibiscus s
Qrange`barred sulfur 4-7 gardE~ns, scrub All year
Larval Foods: Herbaceous Plants--Poinsettia (Poinsettia pulcherrima), Senna (cassia spp.)
Adult Foods: Other Adult Foods--Flowers, nons ecific and mud
Migrant sulfur 4-7' coastal strand, keys, beaches Feb,-Nov.
Larval Foods: Trees--Lignum vitae (Guaiacum sanctum); Shrubs and Vines--False violet (Da/bergia ecastophyllum)
Adult Foods: Unknown
January 1999
Butterfly Gardening in Florida Page 6
Table 2. Sulfurs, Whites, and Orange•tip Butterflies
Key for Larval and Adult Foods: ' =non-native species; " =non-native species, not recommended for planting because of its tendency to
spread anri arlvarcaly aHact natural enmmnnifiac
S ecies of Butterfl Re ions Habitats Flight Season
Guayacan sulfur 5.7 open areas May-Auguste.
Larval Foods: Trees--Lignum vitae (Guaiacum sanctum)
Adult Foods: Trees--Mangrove, black (Avicennia germinans); Herbaceous plants--Marigold, bur or Spanish needle
Bidens ilosa *
Barred sulfur 1-7 beaches, scrub, disturbed areas` All year
Larval Foods: Herbaceous plants--Beans (Fabaceae), Pencil flower (Stylosanthes biflora), Shy leaves (Aeschynome
viscidula)*
Adult Foods: Herbaceous plants--Beans (Fabaceae)*, Pencil flower (Stylosanthes biflora), Shy leaves (Aeschynome
viscidula
Little sulfur 1-7 disturbed areas, open areas; fields All,year
Larval Foods: Trees--Legumes (Fabaceae); Herbaceous plants--Clovers (Trifolium spp.), Senna (Cassia spp.)
Adult Foods: Other Adult Foods--Flowers, nons ecific
Bush sulfur 5-7 flatwoods, fields All year
Larval Foods: Shrubs and Vines--Mexican alvaradoa (Alvaradoa amorphoides)
Adult Foods: Herbaceous Plants--Com osites Com osit~ae)
Blacktip sulfur 6-7 forest edges May-Dec.
Larval Foods: Herbaceous Plants--Sensitive plant (Mimosa pudica)
Adult Foods: Herbaceous Plants--Com osites Com ositee
Rambling orange 1-7 - fields, forest edges; scrub, sandhlls All year
Larval Foods: Herbaceous Plants--Clovers (Trifolium spp.), Partridge pea (Cassia fasciculata), Senna (Cassia spp.)
Adult Foods: Herbaceous Plants--Marigold, bur or Spanish needle (Bidens pilosa)*; Other Adult Foods--Flowers,
nons ecific
Dainty sulfur 2-7 ;disturbed areas, pastures` All year..:
Larval Foods: Herbaceous Plants--Asters, smooth-leaved (Asteraceae), Common chickweed (Stellaria media),
Marigold, bur (Bidens pilosa), Marigold, garden varieties (7agetes spp.)*, Sneezeweed (He/enium autumna/e)
Adult Foods: Herbaceous Plants--Asters, smooth-leaved (Asteraceae), Comrnon chickweed (Stellaria media),
Marigold, bur or Spanish needle (Bidens pilosa)', Marigold, garden varieties (Tagetes spp.)*, Sneezeweed (Helenium
autumnale
Table 3. Hairstreaks, Coppers, and Blue Butterflies
Key for Larval and Adult Foods: * =non-native species; *' =non-native species, not recommended for planting because of its tendency to
spread and adversely affect natural communities
~~ Species of Butterfly ~ Regions _~ Habitats ~ Flight Season ~~
The harvester Local Wetlands, swamps Feb:-Dec.
distribution in
panhandle,
Jacksonville,
Tampa and
Orlando areas
Larval Foods: Animals--Aphids on alders, witch hazel, wild currants, hawthorn, beech, ash and other plants
Adult Foods: Other Adult Foods--A hid hone dew and Manure
Coontie hairstreak 5-7 Forest edges,`;Hammocks "All year
Larval Foods: Shrubs and Vines--Coontie (Zamia f/oridana)
Adult Foods: Shrubs and Virtes--Saw almetto Serenoa re ens ,scrub almetto Saba/ etonia
Great blue hairstreak 1-3 Hammocks All year
Larval Foods: Herbaceous Plants--Mistletoe (Phoradendron serotinum)
January 1999
Butterfly Gardening in Florida Page 7
Table 3. Hairstreaks, Coppers, and Blue Butterflies
Key for Larval and Adult Foods: " =non-native species; "' =non-native species, not recommended for planting because of its tendency to
spread and adversely affect natural communities
S ecies of Butterfl Re ions Habitats Fli ht Season
Adult Foods: Trees--Plums (Prunus spp.), Hercules-club (Zanthoxylum clava-herculis); Shrubs and Vines--Frog fruit
Li is nodiflora ;Herbaceous Plants--Mari old, bur or S anish needle Bidens ilosa '
Verde azul hairstreak 7 Hammocks All year
Larval Foods: Trees--Lead tree (Albizia /ebbeck)`
Adult Foods: Trees--Brazilian peppertree (Schinus terebinthifolius)"; Shrubs and Vines--Sweet pepper bush (Clethra
alnifolia ;Herbaceous lants--Mari old, bur or S anish needle (Bidens pilosa '
Silver banded hairstreak
Larval Foods: Shrubs and Vines--Heart seed (Cardiospermum halicacabum)
Adult Foods: Other Adult Foods--Flowers, nons ecific
Coral hairstreak Tallahassee Deciduous forest edges May-July..
Larval Foods: Trees--Cherries (Prunus spp.)
Adult Foods: Herbaceous lants--Butterfl weed Ascle ias tuberosa
Banded hairstreak 1-3 Deciduous forests April-June
Larval Foods: Trees--Hickories (Carya spp.), Oaks (Quercus spp.), Walnuts (Juglans sp.)
Adult Foods: Herbaceous plants--Indian hemp (Apocynum cannabinum), Milkweeds (Asclepias spp.); Other Adult
Foods--Flowers, nons ecific
Sweetleaf hairstreak - 1 Coa;>tal strand, hammocks, swamps May-June
Larval Foods: Trees--Sweetleaf (Symplocos tinctoria); Shrubs--Azaleas (Rhododendron spp.)
Adult Foods: Trees--Oaks Quercus s
:Striped hairstreak 1-3 Deciduous forests, fields, disturbed areas May-June
Larval Foods: Trees--Hawthorns (Crataegus spp.); Shrubs and Vines--Blueberry
(Vaccinium spp.)
Adult Foods: Herbaceous plants--Clover, white sweet (h1elilotus spp.), Indian hemp (Apocynum cannabinum),
Milkweeds Ascle ias s
Tiny hairstreak 6-7 fields April-Dec.
Larval Foods: Trees--Lead tree (Albizia lebbeck)', wild tamarind (Lysiloma latisiliqua)
Adult Foods: Shrubs and Vines--Scrub palmetto (Sabal etonia); Herbaceous plants--Marigold, bur or Spanish needle
Bidens ilosa "
Red banded hairstreak 1-7 open areas, forest edges; All year
Larval Foods: Trees--Oaks (Quercus spp.); Shrubs and Vines--Croton (Croton spp.), Sumac, winged (Rhus copallina),
Wax myrtle (Myrica cerifera)
Adult Foods: Trees--Cherry (Prunusspp.); Shrubs and Vines--Sweet pepperbush (Clethra alnifolia); Herbaceous
Plants--Indian hem A oc num cannabinum ,Milkweeds Ascle ias s
Cedar hairstreak 1-3 fields, coastal hammocks,-dunes Feb.~Sept,;
Larval Foods: Trees--Cedar, southern red (Juniperus silicicola), Cedar, eastern red (Juniperus, virginiana)"
Adult Foods: Trees--Plum, wild (Prunus americans); Herbaceous Plants--Marigold, bur or Spanish needle (Bidens
ilosa
White cedar hairstreak Liberty and bogs,and swamps ' April-July
Santa Rosa
counties
Larval Foods: Trees--Cedar, Atlantic white (Chamaecyparis thyoides)
Adult Foods: Other Adult Foods--Flowers, nons ecific and Mud
Woodland elfin 1-3 coastal strand, sandhills, oak-pine forests _ Feb.-April
Larval Foods: Trees--Dahoon (Ilex cassine), Redbud (Cercis canadensis); Shrubs and Vines-Blueberry (Vaccinium
spp.), Persimmon (Diospyros virginiana)
Adult Foods: Other Adult Foods--Flowers, nons ecific and Mud
Eastern pine elfin 2 sandhills, oak-pine forests March-April
January f 999
Butterfly Gardening in Florida Page 8
Table 3. Hairstreaks, Coppers, and Blue Butterflies
Key for larval and Adult Foods: " =non-native species; "* =non-native r>pecies, not recommended for planting because of its tendency to
s read and adversel affect natural communities
S ecies of Butterfl Re ions Habitats Flight Season
Larval Foods: Trees--Pines (Pinus spp.)
Adult Foods: Other Adult Foods--Flowers, nons ecific and Mud
Southern oak hairstreak ` 1-7 hammocks March-May
Larval Foods: Trees--Oaks (Quercus spp.)
Adult Foods: Trees--Oak, chinquapin (Quercus muhlenbergil); Shrubs and Vines--Viburnum (Viburnum spp.);
Herbaceous Plants--Clover, sweet Melilotus s
lNhite M hairstreak 1-T hammocks, sandhilis,_ scrub March-Dec.
Larval Foods: Trees--Oaks (Quercus spp.)
Adult Foods: Shrubs and Vines--Lantana (Lantana camas), Sweet pepperbush (Clethra alnifolia), Viburnum
Viburnum s . ;Herbaceous Plants--Milkweeds Asc/e ias s
Gray hairstreak 1-7 sandhills, disturbetl areas, flatvvoods April-Oct.
Larval Foods: Trees--Hawthorns (Crataegus spp.); Herbaceous Plants -Beans (Fabaceae), Mallows (Malvaceae),
Mints (Lamiaceae)
Adult Foods: Other Adult Foods--Flowers, nons ecific
Blue and=--gray hairstreak 5-7. open,fields along the coa:~t All year
Larval Foods: Trees--Trema, florida (Trema micrantha); Shrubs and Vines--Bay cedar (Suriana maritima)
Adult Foods: Trees--Brazilian peppertree (Schinus terbintl~ifolius)**; Shrubs and Vines--Bay cedar (Suriana maritima),
Lantana Lantana camas ;Herbaceous Plants--Mari old, bur or Spanish needle Bidens ilosa
Bartram's hairstreak ':5-7 hammocks _ _ All year
Larval Foods: Shrubs and Vines--Croton, narrow leafed (Croton linearis)
Adult Foods: Shrubs and Vines--Croton, narrow leafed (Croton linearis); Herbaceous Plants--Marigold, bur or Spanish
needle Bidens ilosa *
.Dotted hairstreak 5-7 fields All year
Larval Foods: Shrubs and Vines--Avocado (Persea americ:ana); Herbaceous Plants--Mallows (Malvaceae), Mints
(Lamiaceae)
Adult Foods: Other Adult Foods--Flowers, nons ecific
Fulvous hairstreak 67 coastal strand, hammocks, wetlands All year
Larval Foods: Trees--Brazilian peppertree (Schinus terbinihifolius)"'; other unknown
Adult Foods: Trees--Brazilian peppertree (Schinus terbinthifolius)**; Shrubs and Vines--Sea grape (Coccoloba
uvifera ;Herbaceous Plants--Mari old, bur or S anish needle (Bidens pilosa)"
Eastern pigmy blue East 2-3; salt marshes and tidal fiats All year
1Nest 1-7
Larval Foods: Herbaceous Plants--Glasswort, annual (Salc:ornia bigelovil)
Adult Foods: Shrubs and Vines--Saw almetto Serenoa repens); Herbaceou:> Plants--Saltwort Batis maritima
Tropical triped blue 3-7 '` gardens, forest edges> All year
Larval Foods: Herbaceous Plants--Leadwort, ornamental (Plumbago capensis)
Adult Foods: Herbaceous Plants--Beans Fabaceae ", Clover, sweet Melilotus s
Miamiblue 6-7 fields All year
Larval Foods: Shrubs and Vines--Ballon vine (Cardiospermum spp.)*
Adult Foods: Herbaceous Plants--Mari old, bur or S anish needle (Bidens pilosa *
January t999
' Butterfly Gardening in Florida Page 9
Table 3. Hairstreaks, Coppers, and Blue Butterflies
Key for Larval and Adult Foods: "=non-native species; " =non-native species, not recommended for planting because o/its tendency to
SOrBafl anti arlvarCahi affacf nah~ral rnmmnni}iae
Species of Butterfly Re ions Habitats Flight Season
Southern blue 1 sandhills, beach. All year
Larval Foods: Trees--Legumes (Fabaceae); Herbaceous Plants--Beans (Fabaceae); Partridge pea (Cassia
fasciculata)
Adult Foods: Herbaceous Plants--Marigold, bur or Spanish needle (Bidens pilosa)' ;Other Adult Foods--Flowers,
nons ecific
Eastern tailed blue 1-2 fields Feb.-:Nov.
Larval Foods: Trees--Legumes (Fabaceae); Herbaceous Plants--Beans (Fabaceae); Clovers (Trifoliumspp.)
Adult Foods: Other Adult Foods--Flowers, nonspecific, Mud
Spring azure 1-2 hammocks, swamps January-Oct.
Larval Foods: Trees--Legumes (Fabaceae), Plums (Prunus spp.); Shrubs and Vines--Blueberry (Vaccinium spp.),
Sumac, winged (Rhus copallina), \/iburnum (Viburnurn spp.)
Adult Foods: Herbaceous Plants--Milkweeds Ascle ias s . ;Other Adult Foods--Flowers, nons ecific
Table 4. Metalmark Butterflies
Key for Larval and Adult Foods: ' =non-native species; `" =non-native species, not recommended for plantlna because of its tendencv to
spread ana aaversery arrect natural communltles
S ecies Re ion.> Habitats Fli ht Season
Little metalmark 1-7 ~ sandhills, salt marsh, All year.
southern flatwoods'
Larval Foods: Herbaceous Plants--Thistle, yellow (Cirsium horridulum)
Adult Foods: Herbaceous Plants--Composites (Compositae
Table 5. Snout Butterflies
Key for Larval and Adult Foods: ` =non-native species; "" =non-native species, not recommended for planting because of its tendency to
spread and aaversely arrecr natural communlnes
~ Species ~ Regions Habitats Fli ht Season
Snout butterfly 1.7 wetlands, deciduous forests January-August
Larval Foods: Trees--Hackberry (Celtis spp.)
Adult Foods: Herbaceous Plants--Asters Asterceae ;Other Adult Foods--Flowers, nons ecific
January 1999
Butterfly Gardening in Florida Page 10
Table 6. Brushfooted Butterflies
Key for Larval and Adult Foods: ' =non-native species; " =non-native species, not recommended for planting because of its tendency to
spread and adversely affect natural cnmmimi~ia.s
S ecies Re ion Habitats Flight Season
'Guff fritillary (Figure 3) 1-7 gardens, fields All year
Larval Foods: Shrubs and Vines--Passion flower (Passiflora incarnata)
Adult Foods: Shrubs and Vines--Lantana (Lantana Camara); Herbaceous Plants--Marigold, bur or Spanish needle
Bidens ilosa '
Orange long wing 5-7 hammocks, fields, gardens All year
Larval Foods: Shrubs and Vines--Maypops (Passiflora spp.), Passion flower (Passiflora incarnata)
Adult Foods: Shrubs and Vines--Lantana (Lantana Camara); Herbaceous Plants--Marigold, bur or Spanish needle 1
Bidens ilosa '
Zebra,long wing 1-7 ` ' hammocks; fields, gartle~s All year
Larval Foods: Shrubs and Vines--Maypops (Passiflora spp.), Passion flower (Passiflora incarnata)
Adult Foods: Shrubs and Vines--Lantana (Lantana Camara); Herbaceous Plants--Marigold, bur or Spanish needle
Bidens ilosa "
Variegated fritillary 1-7 open areas.: March-Dec.
Larval Foods: Shrubs and Vines--Passion flower (Passiflora incarnata); Herbaceous Plants--Beggar's tick
(Desmodium spp.), Plantain (P/antago /anceolata), Spurges (Euphorbiaceae), Stonecrop (Sedum spp.)
Adult Foods: Other Adult Foods--Flowers, nons ecific
Streamside checkerspot Marianna deciduous fiorests < March-Sept:
Larval Foods: Herbaceous Plants--Composites (Asteraceeie)
Adult Foods: Herbaceous Plants--Clover, red (Trifolium pratense)", Composites (Asteraceae), Milkweeds (Asc/epias
s
Seminole crescent 1-3 wetlands March-Nov.
Larval Foods: Herbaceous Plants--Alder, hazel (Alms serrulata), Water willow (Justicia spp.)
Adult Foods: Unknown
Black crescent` 5-7 fields All year
Larval Foods: Herbaceous Plants--Shrimp plant (Justicia brandegeana)"
Adult Foods: Unknown
Mat plant crescent 1-7 swamps, bags, marshes March-Dec.'
Larval Foods: Herbaceous Plants--Frog fruit (Lippia nodiflvra)
Adult Foods: Herbaceous Plants--Com osites Com ositae ,Fro fruit Li is nodif/ora
Pearl crescent.. 1-6 swamps, fields, :wetlands All year
Larval Foods: Herbaceous Plants--Asters, smooth leaved (Asteraceae)
Adult Foods: Herbaceous Plants--Com osites Com ositae ,Milkweeds Ascle ias s
Question mark 1-4 deciduous forests, wetlands, orchards All year
Larval Foods: Trees--Elms (Ulmus spp.), Hackberry (Celtic spp.), Mulberries (Morus spp.); Herbaceous Plants--
Parsley (Umbelliferae)"
Adult Foods: Other Adult Foods--Carrion, Manure, Mud, Rottin fruit, Sa
'Comma angelwing 1-2 deciduous forests, wetlarids, fields May -Sept.
Larval Foods: Trees--Elms (Ulmus spp.); Herbaceous Plants--Nettles (Urticaceae)
Adult Foods: Other Adult Foods--Carrion, Mud, Rottin fruit, Sa
Mourning cloak Jacksonville, deciduous' forests, wetlands, gardens Feb.-Marche
Tampe
Larval Foods: Trees-Beech (Fagus spp.), Elms (Ulmus spp.), Hackberry (Celtic spp.), Hollies (flex spp.); Shrubs and
Vines -Alder, hazel (Alms serrulata)
Adult Foods: Other Adult Foods--Deca in lants, Flowers, nons ecific, Mud, Sa
American,painted lady , 1-7 open areas,;gardens, wetlands, fields All year
(Figure 4)'
January 1999
Butterfly Gardening in Florida Page 11
Table 6. Brushfooted Butterflies
Key for Larval and Adult Foods: ' =non-native species; '" =non-native species, not recommended for planting because of its tendency to
spread and adversely affect natural communities
S ecies Re ion Habitats Flight Season
Larval Foods: Herbaceous Plants--Asters, smooth leaved (Asteraceae), Mallows (Malvaceae), Thistle, yellow (Cirsium
horridulum)
Adult Foods: Other Adult Foods--Flowers, nons ecific, Mud
Red admiral 1-7 deciduous,forestsfields, gardens,riparian A11 year
Larval Foods: Trees--Mulberries (Morus spp.); Herbaceous Plants--False nettle (Boehmeria cylindrica), Nettles
(Urticaceae)
Adult Foods: Other Adult Foods--Bird dro in s, Rottin fruit, Sa
The buckeye 1-7 wetlands, #ields, open areas All year..
Larval Foods: Herbaceous Plants--Acanthus (Acanthaceae), Plantain (Plantago lanceolata), Stonecrop (Sedum spp.),
Vervains (Verbenaceae)
Adult Foods: Herbaceous Plants--Com osites Com ositae)
Black mangrove 5-7 mangrove swamps, tidal flats, fields All year
Larval Foods: Trees--Mangrove, black (Avicennia germin~ans); Shrubs and Vines--Blue porterweed (Stachytarpheta
spp.); Herbaceous plants--Vervains (Verbenaceae)
Adult Foods: Other Adult Foods--Flowers, nons ecific
White peacock 2-7 swamps, wetlands All year
Larval Foods: Herbaceous Plants--Figworts (Scrophulariaceae)
Adult Foods: Herbaceous Plants--Mari old, bur or S anish needle Bidens ilosa
Malachite 5.7 _ _ _ Citrus groues, scrub <All year
Larval Foods: Herbaceous Plants--Cajetin (Blechum browner), Ruellia (Ruellia spp.)
Adult Foods: Other Adult Foods--Flowers, nons ecific, Manure, Rotting fruit
Red spotted purple 1-3 sandhills, 1'latwoods, forest edges, hammocks March-Oct
Larval Foods: Trees--Apples (Malus spp.), Cherries (Prunus spp.), Leadwort, ornamental (Plumbago capensis),
Willows (Salixspp.)
Adult Foods: Herbaceous Plants--Com osites Com ositae); Other Adult Foods--Carrion, Manure, Rottin fruit, sa
Viceroy ` 1-6 wetlands, marshes April-Septa
Larval Foods: Trees--Apples (Malus spp.), Cherries (Prunus spp.), Willows (Salix spp.)
Adult Foods: Other Adult Foods--Carrion, Manure
Largepurplewing 5-7 coastal hammocks July-.May
Larval Foods: Trees--Crabwood (Gymnanthes lucida)
Adult Foods: Other Adult Foods--Manure, Mud, Rottin fruit, sa
Dingy purplewing 5 7 hammock~_ May-Dec.
Larval Foods: Trees--Gumbo limbo (Bursera simaruba)
Adult Foods: Other Adult Foods--Manure, Mud, Rottin fruit, sap
Red dagger wing 3-7 hammocks; swamps All year.
Larval Foods: Trees--Fig (Ficus spp.), Short-leaf fig (Ficus citrifolia); Shrubs and Vines--Cashews (Anacordium
occidentale)'
Adult Foods: Herbaceous Plants--Milkweeds Ascle ias s . ;Other Adult Foods--Mud, Rottin fruit
January 1999
Butterfly Gardening in Florida Page 12
Table 7. Goatweed Butterflies
Key for Larval and Adult Foods: ' =non-native species; "* =non-native ,species, not recommended for p/anting because of its tendency to
SDIBad and adversely aNP_ct natural r»mm~initiaa
S ecies Re ions Habitats Fli ht Season
Goatweed butterfly 1-3 swamps, forest edges, fields April-August
Larval Foods: Shrubs and Vines--Croton (Croton spp.), Croton, narrow leafed (Croton linearis)
Adult Foods: Other Adult Foods--Bird dro in s, Manure, Rottin fruit, Sa
Florida leefwing _ 6-7 forest edges, scrub All year `
Larval Foods: Shrubs and Vines--Croton, narrow leafed (G'roton linearis)
Adult Foods: Other Adult Foods--Manure, Rottin fruit
Hackberry butterfly 1-7 deciduousforests, riparian. March-Nov.
Larval Foods: Trees -Elms (U/mus spp.), Hackberry (Celtis spp.)
Adult Foods: Other Adult Foods--Carrion, Manure, Persimmons, Sa
Tawny emperor 1.4 - deciduous forests, riparian March-Nov.
Larval Foods: Trees--Hackberry (Celtis spp.)
Adult Foods: Trees--Hackber Celtis s . ;Other Adult Foods--Carrion, Manure, Rottin fruit, Sa
Table 8. Nymphs and Satyrs
Key /or Larval and Adult Foods: ' =non-native species; ** =non-native species, not recommended for planting because of its tendency to
spread and adversely affect natural communltiPs
S ecies Re ions Habitats Fli ht Season
Southern pearly eye 1-3 hammocks, wetlands April-Nov.
Larval Foods: Grasses--Switch cane (Arundinaria gigantea), Grasses (Poaceae), Maidenc ane (Panicum hemitomom)
Adult Foods: Other Adult Foods--Carrion, Manure, Rottin fruit, Sa
Woods eyed brown 1 swamps, bogs, wetlands June•Oct.
Larval Foods: Grasses--Inundated beak-rush (Rhynchospora inundata)'
Adult Foods: Other Adult Foods--Mud, Sa
Jeweled satyr 1-3 tall grass fields, wetlands - Feb.-Nova
Larval Foods: Grasses--Bermuda grass (Cynodon dactylon)*
Adult Foods: Unknown
Southern, atyr 1.6 #ields, hammocks; wetlands All year
Larval Foods: Grasses--Grasses (Poaceae)
Adult Foods: Other Adult Foods--Rottin fruit, Sa
Orange oval satyr 1-7 fields, sandhills, flatwoods All year,
Larval Foods: Grasses--Grasses (Poaceae)
Adult Foods: Unknown
Llttle wood satyr 1-2 #ields, hamrnocks, wetlands March-June
Larval Foods: Grasses--Grasses (Poaceae), Sedges (Cyperaceae)
Adult Foods: Other Adult Foods--A hid hone dew, Sa
Viola's wood satyr 1-3 grassy wooded areas April
Larval Foods: Grasses--Grasses (Poaceae)
Adult Foods: Unknown
Common_wood nymph i-3 sandhills, fiE~lds, :marshes, wetlands June-July
Larval Foods: Grasses--Grasses (Poaceae)
Adult Foods: Other Adult Foods--Rottin fruit
January 1999
Butterfly Gardening in Florida Page 13
Table 9. Milkweed Butterflies
Key for Larva/ and Adult Foods: " =non-native species; "" =non-native species, not recommended for planting because of its tendency to
SnrRarl and arlvarcaly ~ficn} nnf~irol n ......... ...:~;.,..
S ecies Re ions Habitats Fli ht Season
Monarch 1-7 fields, gardens All year
Larval Foods: Herbaceous Plants--Indian hemp (Apocynum cannabinum), Milkweed, scarlet (Asclepias curassavica)*
Adult Foods: Herbaceous Plants--Com osites Com ositae), Milkweeds1Asc/e ias s
Queen 1-7 fields, sandhiils, fiatwoods All.year
Larval Foods: Shrubs and Vines--Oleander (Nerium oleandet~, White vine (,Sarcostemma clausum)*; Herbaceous
Plants--Milkweeds (Asclepias spp.)
Adult Foods: Herbaceous Plants--Fro fruit Li is nodiflora); Milkweeds (Ascle ias s
Soldier 5-7 sandhills, flatwoods, fields, gardens Feb`.-Oct,
Larval Foods: Shrubs and Vines--White vine (Sarcostemma clausum)*; Herbaceous Plants--Milkweeds (Asclepias
spp.), West Indian pinkroot (Spigelia anthelmia)
Adult Foods: Other Adult Foods--Flowers, nons ecific
Table 10. Butterfly Nectar Plants. North and Central Florida: Regions 1-4
"indicates non-native species
'~ Common Name Scientific Name Flowering Season
SHRUBS
False indigo bush* Amorpha fruticosa Summer-Fall
Tarflower Befaria racemosa Summer
Butterfly bush* Buddleia officianalis Spring-Fall
New Jersey tea Ceanothus americanus Spring
False heather Cuphea hyssopifolia Spring-Winter
Garberia Garberia fruticosa Fall
Hibiscus Hibiscus spp. Spring-Winter
Lantana Lantana spp. Spring-Winter
Plumbago* Plumbago capensis Spring-Fall
Azalea Rhododendron spp. Spring
Viburnum Viburnum spp. Spring
PERENNIALS
Butterfly milkweed Asclepias tuberosa Summer-Fall
Aster Aster spp. Summer-Fall
Paint brush Carphephorus corymt~osus Fall
Vanilla plant Carphephorus odoratissimus Fall
Golden aster Chrysopsis spp. Fall
Dalea Da/ea spp. Fall
Purple coneflower Echinacea purpurea Summer
Mistflower Eupatorium coe/estinum Summer-Fall
Sunflower Helianthus spp. Summer-Fall
Blazing star Liatris spp. Summer-Fall
Cardinal flower Lobelia cardinalis Summer-Fall
Purple lobelia Lobelia puberu/a Summer-Fall
Mint* Mentha, Nepeta, others Spring-Fall
Pentas* Pentas lanceolata Spring-Fall
Phlox Phlox spp. Spring-Summer
Pennyroyal Piloblephis rigida Spring
Yellow coneflower Ratibida pinnata Summer
January 1999
Butterfly Gardening in Florida Page 14
Table 10. Butterfly Nectar Plants. North and Central Florida: Ragions 1-4.
- morcares non-narrve soeaes
~ Common Name Scientific Name Flowering Season
Wild petunia Ruellia caroliniensis Spring-Fall
Salvia (Sage) Salvia spp. Summer-Fall
Sedum Sedum spectabile Fall-Winter
Rosinweed Silphium asteriscus Summer-Fall
Goldenrod Solidago spp. Summer-Fall
~', Stoke's aster Stokesia laevis Summer
Thyme• Thymus spp. Spring-Fall
Verbena Verbena spp. Spring-Fall
Ironweed Vernonia spp, Summer
ANNUALS
Ageratum' Ageratum spp. Spring-Summer
Spanish needle Bidens pilosa Spring-Fall
Borage" Borage officinalis Summer-Fall
Shasta daisy* Chrysanthemum spp. Spring-Summer
Sweet William* Dianthus spp. Spring-Summer
Gaillardia Gaillardia pulchella Spring-Summer
Strawflower` Helichrysum spp. Spring-Summer
Phlox Phlox drummondii Summer
Black-eyed Susan Rudbeckia hirta Summer-Fall
Marigold (Marietta)' Tagetes spp. Summer-Fall
Clover Trifolium spp. Summer-Fall
Zinnia* Zinnia sp Summer-Fall
Table 11. Butterfly Nectar Plants. South Florida: Regions 5-7.
rnvicares nvn-nauve species
~ Common Name ~ Scientific Name ~ Flowering Season
TREES
Bottlebrush• Callistemon spp. Summer-Fall
Citrus" Citrus spp. Spring
SHRUBS
Buttonbush Cephalanthus occidentalis Summer
Geiger tree Cordia spp. Summer-Winter
Firebush Hamelia patens Summer-Winter
Lantana Lantana spp. Spring-Winter
PERENNIALS `,
Scarlet milkweed* Asclepias curassavica Summer-Fall
Florida or Blue sage Eranthemum nervosum Summer-Fall
Mistflower Eupatorium coelestinum Summer-Fall
Blazing star Liatris spp. Summer-Fall
Pentas* Pentas lanceolata Summer-Fall
Pennyroyal Pilob/ephis rigida Spring
ANNULS
Beggar-ticks Bidens a/ba Summer-Fall
Red root Lachnanthes caroliniaria Summer
Fro fruit Li is nodiflora S rin -Fall
January 1999