Butterflies and

Their Host Plants There are over 700 species of butterflies in North America. So why does it seem we only see a few here and there? It’s because much of our butterflies’ natural habitat has been steadily diminishing due to residential and commercial development. The plants they’ve used for food and larvae are no longer as readily available. The use of pesticides and insecticides to control ‘undesirable’ insects has also had the same effect on butterflies. The good news is butterflies are still out there! They’ve just moved on to where they can find food and host plants. And that’s where YOU can help! By turning your garden into a welcoming habitat for butterflies, you can attract these beauties to your yard! Below are some of the more common butterflies we can attract here in Indiana, along with their host plant information.

Black Swallowtail Zebra Swallowtail

Host Plants: Dill, Fennel, Parsley, Rue Host Plants: Pawpaw

Spicebush Swallowtail Eastern Tiger Swallowtail

Host Plants: Spicebush, Sassafras, Prickly Ash Host Plants: Sweet Bay Magnolia, Willow

Pipevine Swallowtail Giant Swallowtail

Host Plants: Pipevine Host Plants: Prickly Ash, Rue

More Great Info: OCInvasives.org

Monarch Viceroy

Host Plants: Milkweeds Host Plants: Aspen, Willow

Red Admiral Painted Lady

Host Plants: False Nettle Host Plants: Hollyhock, Daisy, Sunflower, Mallow

Common Buckeye American Lady

Host Plants: Snapdragon, Verbena, Ruellia Host Plants: Sunflowers, Pussy-toe, Ironweed Silver Brocade, Pearly Everlasting, Mallow

Pearl Crescent Question Mark

Host Plants: Asters Host Plants: Elm, Sugarberry, False Nettle

Eastern Comma Eastern Tailed Blue

Host Plants: Elm, False Nettle, Common Hop Tree Host Plants: Vetch, White Clover