Butterfly Kisses-Part II (Types of Butterflies in my Yard)

1. Sulphur Butterfly

I'm happy to report my first discovery of a cloudless sulphur caterpillar. Last year I planted some type of cassia plant. I am not really sure the exact variety. I actually purchased it with the hope of attracting sulphur butterflies. Cassia plants are the larval food of various sulphur butterflies. I didn't notice any sulphur caterpillars last year, but a week ago I saw a yellow looking caterpillar hanging upside down on the branch of my queen's wreath. The queen's wreath is planted next to my cassia plant so I was pretty sure it was a sulphur caterpillar. A quick Google search confirmed its identity as a cloudless sulfur caterpillar. I named him "Steve." Here are some photos of Steve.

God's work is everywhere in my garden.

2. Monarch Butterfly

Monarchs are my favorite butterflies in my yard. They are exceptionally attractive at all life stages. Last year I didn't see many at all, but this year the populations seem to be making a comeback. The monarch's larval food is milkweed. I have tried the yellow milkweed, but they seem to like the orange and red more. They frequently eat the entire plant. Even though the milkweed grows back, it can't to so fast enough to satisfy the very hungry caterpillar. I usually rush around looking for more to prevent them from starving to death. This is a picture of "Heather" on milkweed.

3. Gulf Fritillary

Gulf Fritillaries were the first butterflies to visit my garden. Their larval food is the passion vine. I got my passion vine when I first moved here. I keep the vine in a large pot to prevent it from taking over the yard. It has very pretty flowers as a bonus.

Ok, the caterpillar is not as pretty as the monarch, but everything can't be adorable.

I can see the humor in this photo:)  They seem to like the yellow lantana as nectar sources.

4. Pipevine Swallowtail

The pipevine swallowtail's larval food is the Dutchman's Pipe (A.elegans) aka the Callico flower. There are many kinds of swallowtails and many kinds of Dutchman's pipes, but I only have the Callico flower and only philenor seems to like it. The Callico flower is an extremely healthy vigorous vine. I planted mine on one side of an arbor and it has nearly taken over. The flower is freakish but cool.

When the pipevine caterpillars are little they tend to cluster together. Maybe they need emotional support to cope with that the wasps trying to kill them? 

5. Black Swallowtail Butterfly

The black swallowtail eats dill or fennel as its larval food. I actually bought some dill from a local nursery with a caterpillar already on it. A note of caution: You will never have enough dill or fennel to satisfy all the caterpillar on the plant, but nature takes care of this problem by having the bluejay eat the poor little things.