by Karen Kauffman
The Useppa Island Butterfly Society began several years ago,
when the island donated a sandy and unbuildable 1/3 acre to the care of
volunteer islanders for a butterfly sanctuary. Six years later, we see
significantly more and varied butterflies fluttering in the warm sun. We find
eggs the size of pencil points, as well as understand why leaves disappear
overnight as caterpillars munch through them. These are all signs that the
butterflies approve of our efforts!
Butterflies alight on almost any flower for nectar. However,
each butterfly species selects a very specific host plant for laying its eggs,
and can detect them from as far as five miles away. This is the same plant
these butterflies-turned-caterpillars will use for food.
So, what began as simply planting pretty flowers, has turned
into spread sheets to cross reference nectar versus host plants, in the correct
proportion, to successfully attract less migratory butterflies, while
attracting more that will happily reside with us for generations.
Of the many butterflies, we have our favorites. Black and
yellow Swallowtails search out Dutchman’s Pipevine (which can grow over a foot
a day) as visiting butterflies lay clusters of yellow eggs. When hatched, these
larva/caterpillars quickly devour the vine’s dense foliage that has hidden them
so well.
Orange Gulf Fritillary’s tiny tan eggs are found on the
underside of Lady Margaret Passion Vine. The “hatched” orange caterpillars then
travel in packs, voraciously eating the vine before curling up into a chrysalis
from which a beautiful butterfly will emerge.
The most rewarding aspect of caring for the garden is
sharing it with visitors of all ages. The Butterfly Garden encapsulates what
life on Useppa is about. Creating a place of beauty, wonder, refuge and
learning, while relaxing and sharing a space with family, friends and those who
wander the island. All are welcome here! Discover Useppa Island
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