Butterflies
If you have ever read The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle, you know that caterpillars turn into beautiful butterflies. Despite their beautiful features, butterflies are still considered insects. Some people believe that a butterfly landing on you can actually be a sign of good luck!
Monarch Butterflies
Where do they live?
Monarch butterflies migrate north from Mexico in early spring. These butterflies mate soon after they leave Mexico and lay their eggs on milkweed plants in the United States.
What do they eat?
Monarch butterflies love milkweed plants and their caterpillars can only eat milkweed. That’s why these butterflies are sometimes referred to as Milkweed Butterflies.
Painted Lady Butterflies
Where do they live?
These butterflies are found all over the world! They have been spotted in every country except Australia and Antarctica. Because of their global reach, these butterflies are sometimes called Cosmopolitan Butterflies.
What do they eat?
Painted Lady Butterflies love to feed on nectar from plants. This sweet liquid stems from goldenrods, marigolds, and everlastings, and provides the butterflies with the nutrients they need in order to survive.
Vanessa Atalanta
Where do they live?
These butterflies’ lifespans are pretty short: only about two months! They need warm weather to survive, so these butterflies can be found in warm or tropical climates.
What do they eat?
Adult Vanessa Atalanta butterflies usually feed on rotting fruit, tree sap, and bird droppings. They will sometimes feed on nectar from flowering plants, including daisies and milkweed.
Eastern Black Swallowtail
Where do they live?
These butterflies are predominantly found in North America. In fact, the Black Swallowtail Butterfly is even the state butterfly for both Oklahoma and New Jersey!
What do they eat?
Differentiating themselves from other butterfly species, Eastern Black Swallowtails feed on carrots, parsley, dill, fennel, and rue. Their caterpillars are often nested on citrus trees.