Planting native plants in your backyard or garden is the first step toward attracting butterflies. Butterflies and native plants have evolved together and are dependent on each other. The butterflies need the nectar of the plants for food and the plants need the butterflies for pollination. Besides nectar plants, butterflies need host plants. The adult butterflies lay eggs on the host plant and when the eggs hatch, the larvae feed on the plants. Caterpillars of butterflies are seldom harmful to these plants, as the larvae usually only nibble on the plants. It is important to avoid using herbicides and pesticides on your plants, because these will kill both the larval stage and the adult stage of butterflies.

The species of plants that you choose for nectar producing should be planted in sunny areas protected from strong wind. The site should get at least five or six hours of sun per day and should be relatively undisturbed by humans. Butterflies need the sun for orientation and to warm themselves. If you place some flat stones in your yard or garden, it allows the butterflies a place to stop and rest in the sun. Some male butterflies congregate in wet areas to drink or to extract salt or other minerals.

Planting a variety of native plants that bloom from spring through fall will make it more likely that butterflies will be attracted to your yard or garden. Flower and shrub species that are native to our area will be the most successful in attracting and keeping butterflies. Host plants should be placed in hidden, less obvious areas. Nectar plants should be planted in large groups of one color, rather than single plants of different colors.

Some butterflies will feed from nectar feeders. You can make your own nectar solution out of one part sugar to 18 parts water. Many butterflies find overripe fruit attractive, like pears, bananas, plums, and other juicy fruits. You can place these on top of a nectar feeder, which should be located near the host and nectar plants.

For a list of the native plants offered by the Grand Traverse Conservation District that attract butterflies, see the article titled Michigan Butterfly Plants Offered by the GTCD.

If you provide the right location, food, shelter and water, you are providing habitat for butterflies. In return, you are bringing beauty and joy into your life.

more info: http://www.nwf.org/backyardwildlifehabitat/attractbutterflies.cfm