Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea). Beyond its obvious aesthetic appeal, the coneflower offers myriad benefits that make it an indispensable asset in any butterfly garden.
Gardening
Rue: A Classic Staple in the Butterfly Garden
Known scientifically as Ruta graveolens, Rue is not only a visual delight but also a magnet for certain butterfly species.
Milkweed Mass Plantings: A Monarch Festival Movement to Revitalize Habitats
Milkweed Mass Plantings are community-driven events where large tracts of land are designated for planting milkweed en masse.
The Monarch Festival in Bethel, Maine: A Celebration of Nature’s Majestic Migrants
Nestled in the picturesque landscapes of Maine, the town of Bethel comes alive each year with a unique celebration dedicated to one of nature’s most iconic butterflies: the Monarch.
Are Neem Trees Bad for Butterflies?
Neem trees (Azadirachta indica), also known as Indian Lilac, Margosa, and Nimtree, are a tree in thw mahogany family (Meliaceae). They are renowned for their medicinal properties and are commonly used as a natural insect repellent and pesticide. The primary compound responsible for these insecticidal properties is azadirachtin, found in […]
Starting Milkweed from Seed: An Essential Step Towards Biodiversity Conservation
This article delves into the significance of milkweed, the challenges with purchasing grown plants, and a guide to starting milkweed from seed.
Milkweed Pollination: The Intricate Dance
Beyond its vibrant blossoms and pivotal role in the butterfly’s life cycle, milkweed hides a remarkable and unique pollination mechanism.
Black Swallowtail Caterpillar Stages
The Black Swallowtail (Papilio polyxenes) caterpillar undergoes a series of developmental stages, much like other butterflies. This process is known as metamorphosis, and for butterflies, it encompasses four primary stages: 1. Egg The life of a Black Swallowtail begins as a tiny, spherical, cream-colored egg. The female butterfly usually lays […]