Butterflies
Common species
Black swallowtail (and other swallowtail species), monarch, silvery and gorgone checkerspot, cloudless and clouded sulpher, common wood-nymph
Why they're helpful
Butterflies are useful in pollination. They are also helpful in eating slugs, other pests, and weed seeds. They can show if something is wrong in environment if their populations decline.
Identification
Butterflies come in a variety of different colors and shapes. Keep an eye out for caterpillars as these eventually turn into butterflies.
How to attract
Certain fallen fruit such as blackberries and raspberries attract butterflies. Though pollination preference varies among species, some plants butterflies can be attracted to and help pollinate include milkweed, dill, parsley, marigolds, sunflowers, lavender, thyme, sage, and apples.They are attracted to a shallow source or water to drink from, butterfly boxes for shelter, and stones in the sun for them to rest on. Additionally prevent wind with hedgerow, fence, and trees.
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