Publication #WEC 22
Butterfly Gardening in Florida1
Background
Planting a butterfly garden is a great way to beautify your yard and help attract many of the different butterflies found in Florida. Most butterfly gardens are also a magnet for hummingbirds and beneficial insects. A productive butterfly garden does not require a large land area—even a few key plants can make a huge impact.Whether confined to a patio container or sprawled over several acres, a butterfly garden can be as simple or as complex as you wish to make it. The same basic concepts apply, regardless of the size. The most important thing to understand is that different butterfly species have different requirements, and these requirements change throughout their life cycles. A well-planned butterfly garden should appeal to many different butterflies and also cater to both the adults and their larvae (caterpillars). Proper garden design and choice of plants are essential. Such decisions will help influence which butterflies are attracted, remain in the area, and reproduce there. The total butterfly garden takes into account the food preferences of both adult butterflies and their larvae (caterpillars). Most adult butterflies feed on flower nectar and will be attracted to a wide variety of different flowers. Their larvae (caterpillars), though, rely on specific plants called host plants for food and are often greatly limited in the number of plants on which they can feed. Host plants may also provide shelter, camouflage, chemicals used for protection, courtship, and reproduction. It is not necessary to include larval host plants to attract butterflies, but adults tend to stay fairly close to the areas where their larval food plants can be found.All of this requires planning. There are a few basic rules to follow. You can be as creative as you wish, but you must start with a plan that considers the requirements of the butterflies you wish to attract and the plants you will use to lure them. Butterfly gardening is an exacting (not difficult) pursuit and must be based on butterfly preferences—not human ones. Luckily, butterfly and human favorites are mostly compatible.Butterfly Facts and Biology
There are more than 765 species of butterflies found in North America north of Mexico. Florida boasts over 180 verified butterfly species representing some 170 native or newly established species and 17 tropical vagrants. Within that mix, around 40 are considered either unique to the state or occur mostly within its boundaries. This diverse butterfly fauna is the highest of any state east of the Mississippi River and helps make Florida a premier location for butterfly gardeners.All butterflies have a life cycle consisting of four distinct stages: egg, larva (caterpillar), pupa (chrysalis), and adult. Female butterflies lay their eggs on or near an appropriate larval host plant. The eggs typically hatch within a few days and the small larvae begin to feed. Butterfly larvae have enormous appetites and grow rapidly. To accommodate the change in proportions, each larva will molt or shed its skin several times. The appearance of the larva may change after each molt. When fully grown, the larva seeks a sheltered place. It typically attaches itself with silk to a leaf or twig and it molts for the last time into the pupa. During this stage, the once worm-like caterpillar transforms into a winged adult.Adult Butterfly Resources
Most adult butterflies found in Florida rely on flower nectar for food. While many tend to be attracted to a variety of available brightly colored blossoms, different butterfly species have distinct color preferences, feeding behaviors, and proboscis lengths. (The butterfly's proboscis is like a long coiled straw used to sip liquid nectar from flowers.) These factors help determine which flowers a butterfly visits. As a rule, small butterflies nectar from small flowers and large butterflies nectar from larger ones. Some butterflies flutter like a hummingbird while feeding, pausing only briefly at each flower. They can often gain access to nectar in long tubular blossoms. Others rest for some time on each blossom. A wide mix of flower colors, shapes, and sizes provides appealing and accessible food to a greater number of butterfly species. It also makes your garden more eye-catching.Adults of some butterfly species rarely or never visit flowers. They feed instead on tree sap, or the fermenting juices from rotting fruit or plant material, animal dung (droppings), and dead animal remains. Larval Resources
Larval (caterpillar) host plants are also key ingredients to any well-designed butterfly garden. They are often not as showy as nectar plants, nor are they even necessary to attract adult butterflies. But a garden without larval host plants ignores the requirements of the butterfly's life cycle. While nectar plants invite butterflies into your garden, host plants offer them a reason to stay and reproduce. Unlike nectar plants though, larval host plants must be tailored to individual butterfly species. So, unless you have acres of land at your disposal, you will need to be selective in your plant choice. Remember also that larval host plants are meant to be eaten. You will see damaged leaves or even some plants that are completely defoliated. Keep in mind that this is a good thing. It means that your butterfly garden is being productive. Within no time, most plants will recover and soon be able to support new larvae. Lastly, don't forget that butterfly larvae feed exclusively on their host plants. They will not cause damage to other landscape plants or become horrible garden pests. Be careful when buying larval host plants as many nurseries use pesticides. These chemicals can be deadly to butterfly larvae. When in doubt, always ask if the plants you wish to purchase have been treated with pesticides. Similarly, be very careful when using pesticides in your garden. If you must use chemicals to control pest insects, use them sparingly and only treat the infected plant. Planning Your Garden
Planting a productive butterfly garden is not hard, but it does require proper planning and a little basic research. Although Florida boasts over 180 different butterflies, you can't attract species that do not naturally occur in your region, nor can you grow plants that aren't adapted to the soils and climate in your region. To help get started, follow these easy steps to plan your garden.Your Butterfly Region Map
Look at the map provided (Figure 1) and determine the region in which you live.Your Butterfly Region Table(s)
Then, look for your region in the Florida butterflies tables (Tables 1-6), highlight the species that occur in your area, and use habitats that can be found within 1/4 mile of the site you are considering for your butterfly garden.Butterfly nectar plants by region. Table 7 lists butterfly nectar plants for North and Central Florida (regions 1-4). Table 8 lists butterfly nectar plants for South Florida (regions 5-7).Keys to using the tables
Determine the larval and adult foods for each species from the tables. Butterflies tend to stay fairly close to the areas where their natural larval food plants can be found.The "flight season" indicates the months when the adults are active.Note: If you are not interested in trying to attract the greatest variety of butterflies, you can select plants from the butterfly nectar sources listed at the end of this publication. This approach will help you to create a beautiful garden that also is appealing to some butterfly species.Keys to the tables
Table 1. Swallowtails (Family Papilionidae)Table 2. Whites and Sulphurs (Family Pieridae)Table 3. Gossamer-wing Butterflies (Family Lycaenidae)Table 4. Metalmark Butterflies (Family Riodinidae)Table 5. Brush-footed Butterflies (Family Nymphalidae)Table 6. Skippers (Family Hesperiidae)Table 7. Butterfly Nectar Plants. North and Central Florida: Regions 1 - 4.Table 8. Butterfly Nectar Plants. South Florida: Regions 5 - 7.Selected References
Allen, T. J., Brock, J. P. and J. Glassberg. 2005. Caterpillars in the Field and Garden: A Field Guide to Butterfly Caterpillars of North America. Oxford University Press, 240 pp.Cech, R. and G. Tudor. 2007. Butterflies of the East Coast: An Observer's Guide. Princeton University Press. 360 pp.Daniels, J.C. 2000. Your Florida Guide to Butterfly Gardening: A Guide for the Deep South. University Press of Florida, Gainesville. 104 pp.Daniels, J. C. 2003. Butterflies of Florida Field Guide. Adventure Publications, Cambridge, Minnesota. 250 pp.Gerberg, E. J., and R. H. Arnett, Jr. 1989. Florida Butterflies. Natural Science Publications, Inc., Baltimore. 90 pp.Glassberg, J., Minno, M. C. and J. V. Calhoun. 2000. Butterflies through Binoculars: A Field, Finding, and Gardening Guide to Butterflies in Florida. Oxford University Press. 256 pp.Minno, M. C., Butler, J. F. and D. W. Hall. 2005. Florida Butterfly Caterpillars and Their Host Plants. University Press of Florida, Gainesville. 341 pp.Minno, M. C. and M. Minno. 1999. Florida Butterfly Gardening: A Complete Guide to Attracting, Identifying, and Enjoying Butterflies. University Press of Florida, Gainesville. 224 pp.Figure 1.
Tables
| Table 1. Swallowtails (Family Papilionidae) |
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| SPECIES |
REGIONS |
HABITATS |
FLIGHT SEASON |
| Pipevine Swallowtail (Battus philenor) |
1-6 |
fields, gardens, wetlands, woodlands |
Feb-Nov |
| Larval Host Plants: Herbaceous plants and vines (Aristolochiaceae) including Virginia Snakeroot (Aristolochia serpentaria) and Woolly Dutchman's Pipevine (Aristolochia tomentosa) |
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| Adult Food Resources: Flower nectar |
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| Polydamus Swallowtail (Battus polydamus) |
2-7 |
disturbed areas, urban parks, gardens, fields |
All year |
| Larval Host Plants: Native and non-native vines (Aristolochiaceae) including Woolly Dutchman's Pipevine (Aristolochia tomentosa) and Calico Flower (Aristolochia littoralis) |
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| Adult Food Resources: Flower nectar |
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| Zebra Swallowtail (Eurytides marcellus) |
1-6 |
scrubs, woodlands, fields, pastures |
Feb-Dec |
| Larval Host Plants: Shrub Annonaceae—Pawpaw (Asimina spp.) |
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| Adult Food Resources: Flower nectar. Adults have short proboscis |
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| Black Swallowtail (Papilio polyxenes) |
1-7 |
wetlands, open areas, gardens, fields, roadsides |
Feb-Nov |
| Larval Foods: Herbaceous plants—wild and cultivated Apiaceae including Sweet Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare), Parsley (Petroselinum crispum), and Mock Bishopsweed (Ptilimnium capillaceum) |
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| Adult Food Resources: Flower nectar |
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| Giant Swallowtail (Heraclides [Papilio] cresphontes) |
1-7 |
open areas, forest margins, citrus groves |
Feb-Nov |
| Larval Foods: Shrubs and Trees (Rutaceae) including Common Hoptree (Ptelea trifoliata), Wild Lime (Zanthoxylum fagara), Hercules-club (Zanthoxylum clava-herculis), and cultivated citrus (Citrus spp.) |
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| Adult Food Resources: Flower nectar |
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| Schaus' Swallowtail (Heraclides [Papilio] aristodemus ponceanus) – endangered (federal and state) |
6-7 |
tropical hardwood hammocks |
May-July |
| Larval Host Plants: Trees—(Rutaceae) including Torchwood (Amyris elemifera) and Wild Lime (Zanthoxylum fagara) |
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| Adult Food Resources: Flower nectar |
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| Eastern Tiger Swallowtail (Papilio glaucus) |
1-6 |
woodlands, forest margins, stream corridors, parks, gardens |
Mar-Nov |
| Larval Foods: Trees—Ash (Fraxinus spp.), Black Cherry (Prunus serotina), Tuliptree (Liriodendron tulipifera), Sweetbay (magnolia virginiana) |
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| Adult Food Resources: Flower nectar |
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| Spicebush Swallowtail (Papilio troilus) |
1-7 |
forest margins, wetlands, fields, gardens |
Feb-Nov |
| Larval Host Plants: Trees—Bays (Persea spp.), Sassafras (Sassafras albidum); Shrubs - Spicebush (Lindera benzoin) |
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| Adult Food Resources: Flower nectar |
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| Palamedesl Swallowtail (Papilio palamedes) |
1-6 |
swamps, wetlands, woodlands, forest margins |
Feb-Nov |
| Larval Host Plants: Trees—Bays (Persea spp.) including Red Bay (Persea borbonia) |
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| Adult Food Resources: Flower nectar |
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Table 2.
| Table 2. Whites and Sulphurs (Family Pieridae) |
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| SPECIES |
REGIONS |
HABITATS |
FLIGHT SEASON |
| Florida White (Appias drusilla) |
5-7 |
tropical hardwood hammocks |
All year |
| Larval Host Plants: Shrubs—Bayleaf Capertree (Capparis flexuosa) and Guiana Plum (Drypetes lateriflora) |
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| Adult Food Resources: Flower nectar |
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| Checkered White (Pontia protodice) |
1-7 |
disturbed sites, fields, roadsides, fallow agricultural land |
Feb-Nov |
| Larval Host Plants: Herbaceous Plants—Mustards (Brassicaceae) including Virginia Peppergrass (Lepidium virginicum) |
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| Adult Food Resources: Flower nectar |
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| Cabbage White (Pieris rapae) |
1-7 |
gardens, fields, disturbed sites, roadsides |
Feb-Nov |
| Larval Host Plants: Herbaceous Plants—wild and cultivated Brassicaceae including Virginia Peppergrass (Lepidium virginicum), Cabbage (Brassica oleracea) |
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| Adult Food Resources: Flower nectar |
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| Great Southern White (Ascia monuste) |
2-7 |
beaches, salt marshes, coastal strand, disturbed sites |
All year |
| Larval Host Plants: Herbaceous Plants—Virginia Peppergrass (Lepidium virginicum), Saltwort (Batis maritima), Coastal Searocket (Cakile lanceolata); Shrubs—Bayleaf Capertree (Capparis flexuosa) |
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| Adult Food Resources: Flower nectar |
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| Orange Sulphur (Colias eurytheme) |
1-7 |
open areas, roadsides, disturbed sites, alfalfa fields |
Mar-Dec |
| Larval Host Plants: Herbaceous Plants—(Fabaceae) including White Sweetclover (Melilotus albus) and Alfalfa (Medicago sativa) |
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| Adult Food Resources: Flower nectar |
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| Southern Dogface (Zerene cesonia) |
1-6 |
sandhills, scrub, flatwoods |
All year – adults overwinter |
| Larval Host Plants: Herbaceous plants—Summer Farewell (Dalea pinnata); Shrubs—Bastard Indigo (Amprpha fruticosa) |
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| Adult Food Resources: Flower nectar |
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| Large Orange Sulphur (Phoebis agarithe) |
4-7 |
tropical hardwood hammocks, open sites, gardens |
All year |
| Larval Host Plants: Trees—(Fabaceae) including Florida Keys Blackbead (Pithecellobium keyense), Catclaw (Pithecellobium unguis-cati), and False Tamarind (Lysiloma latisiliquum) |
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| Adult Food Resources: Flower nectar |
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| Cloudless Sulphur (Phoebis sennae) |
1-7 |
open areas, gardens, beaches, parks |
All year |
| Larval Host Plants: Herbaceous Plants and shrubs—(Fabaceae) including Partridge pea (Chamaecrista fasciculata), Sensitive Pea (Chamaecrista nictitans), and various native and non-native sennas (Senna spp.) |
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| Adult Food Resources: Flower nectar |
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| Orange-barred Sulfur (Phoebis philea) |
2-7 |
gardens, parks, open areas |
All year |
| Larval Host Plants: Shrubs and trees—(Fabaceae) including native and non-native sennas (Senna spp.) |
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| Adult Food Resources: Flower nectar |
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| Lyside Sulphur (Kricogonia lyside) |
5-7 |
coastal strand, gardens, beaches |
Mar-Nov |
| Larval Foods: Trees—Lignumvitae (Guajacum sanctum) |
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| Adult Food Resources: Flower nectar |
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| Statira Sulphur (Aphrissa [Phoebis] statira) |
3-7 |
coastal areas, wetlands, gardens |
All year |
| Larval Host Plants: Shrubs—Coinvine (Dalbergia ecastaphyllum) |
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| Adult Food Resources: Flower nectar |
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| Barred Yellow (Eurema daira) |
1-7 |
beaches, scrub, disturbed areas, fields, roadsides, fallow agricultural land |
All year – adults overwinter |
| Larval Host Plants: Herbaceous plants—(Fabaceae) including Pencil flower (Stylosanthes biflora), Shyleaf (Aeschynomene americana) and Sticky Jointvetch (Aeschynomene viscidula) |
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| Adult Food Resources: Flower nectar |
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| Little Yellow (Eurema lisa) |
1-7 |
disturbed areas, open areas, open woodlands, scrubs, fields |
All year |
| Larval Host Plants: Herbaceous plants—(Fabaceae) including Partridge Pea (Chamaerista fasciculata) and Sensitive Pea (Chamaecrista nictitans) |
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| Adult Food Resources: Flower nectar |
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| Dina Yellow (Eurema dina) |
6-7 |
tropical hardwood hammock margins and adjacent open areas |
All year |
| Larval Foods: Shrubs and Trees—(Picramniaceae) including Mexican Alvaradoa (Alvaradoa amorphoides) |
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| Adult Food Resources: Flower nectar |
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| Mimosa Yellow (Eurema nise) |
6-7 |
forest margins |
All year |
| Larval Host Plants: Herbaceous Plants and Trees—(Fabaceae) including Sensitive plant (Mimosa pudica) and False Tamarind (Lysiloma latisilquum) |
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| Adult Food Resources: Flower nectar |
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| Sleepy Orange (Eurema nicippe) |
1-7 |
fields, forest margins, scrub, sandhills, roadsides, fallow agricultural land |
All year – adults overwinter |
| Larval Host Plants: Herbaceous Plants—(Fabaceae) including Sicklepod Senna (Senna obtusifolia) |
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| Adult Food Resources: Flower nectar |
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| Dainty Sulfur (Nathalis iole) |
1-7 |
disturbed areas, pastures, roadsides |
All year |
| Larval Foods: Herbaceous Plants—including Spanish Needles (Bidens alba) and Indian Chickweed (Mollugo verticillata) |
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| Adult Food Resources: Flower nectar |
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Table 3.
| Table 3. Gossamer-wing Butterflies (Family Lycaenidae) |
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| SPECIES |
REGIONS |
HABITATS |
FLIGHT SEASON |
| Harvester (Feniseca tarquinius) |
1-4 |
wetlands, swamps |
Feb-Nov |
| Larval Host: Larvae are carnivorous and feed on Woolly Aphids that utilize Smilax spp. and Alnus spp. |
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| Adult Food Resources: Aphid honeydew |
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| Atala (Eumaeus atala) |
5-7 |
tropical pine rocklands, tropical hardwood hammocks, parks, gardens |
All year |
| Larval Host Plants: Shrubs—(Zamiaceae) including Coontie (Zamia pumila) |
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| Adult Food Resources: Flower nectar |
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| Great Purple Hairstreak (Atlides halesus) |
1-5 |
woodlands, wetlands, adjacent open areas |
All year |
| Larval Host Plants: Shrub—Oak Mistletoe (Phoradendron leucarpum) |
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| Adult Food Resources: Flower nectar |
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| Amethyst Hairstreak (Chlorostrymon maesites) |
6-7 |
tropical hardwood hammocks and their margins |
All year |
| Larval Host Plants: Unknown |
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| Adult Food Resources: Flower nectar |
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| Silver-banded Hairstreak (Chlorostrymon simaethis) |
6-7 |
tropical hardwood hammocks and their margins |
All year |
| Larval Host Plants: Vines—(Sapindaceae) including Heartseed (Cardiospermum corindum) |
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| Adult Food Resources: Flower nectar |
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| Coral Hairstreak (Harkenclenus [Satyrium] titus) |
1 |
woodlands and forest margins |
Mar-May |
| Larval Host Plants: Trees—(Rosaceae) including Black Cherry (Prunus serotina) |
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| Adult Food Resources: Flower nectar |
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| Banded Hairstreak (Satyrium calanus) |
1-4 |
woodlands, scrubs, and forest margins |
Feb-Apr |
| Larval Host Plants: Trees—including hickory (Carya spp.) and oak (Quercus spp.) |
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| Adult Food Resources: Flower nectar |
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| Kings Hairstreak (Satyrium kingi) |
1 |
woodlands, swamps |
May-Jun |
| Larval Host Plants: Shrub—Sweetleaf (Symplocos tinctoria) |
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| Adult Food Resources: Flower nectar |
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| Striped Hairstreak (Satyrium liparops) |
1-4 |
woodlands, forest margins |
May-Jun |
| Larval Host Plants: Trees—(Ericaceae) including Sparkleberry (Vaccinium arboreum) |
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| Adult Food Resources: Flower nectar |
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| Red banded Hairstreak (Calycopis cecrops) |
1-7 |
open shrubby areas, forest margins |
All year |
| Larval Host Plants: Trees and Shrubs—Wax Myrtle (Myrica cerifera); Larvae feed primarily on dead leaves beneath plants |
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| Adult Food Resources: Flower nectar |
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| Juniper Hairstreak (Callophrys gryneus) |
1-3 |
fields, coastal hammocks, dunes near cedar groves |
Feb-Oct |
| Larval Host Plants: Trees—Red Cedar (Juniperus, virginiana) |
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| Adult Food Resources: Flower nectar |
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| Hessels Hairstreak (Callophrys hesseli) |
1 |
wetlands, swamps |
Mar-Oct |
| Larval Host Plants: Trees—Atlantic White Cedar (Chamaecyparis thyoides) |
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| Adult Food Resources: Flower nectar |
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| Henry's Elfin (Callophrys henrici) |
1-3 |
woolands, wetlands, swamps, forest margins |
Mar-Apr |
| Larval Host Plants: Trees—Dahoon (Ilex cassine), American Holly (Ilex opaca), and Redbud (Cercis canadensis) |
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| Adult Food Resourcs: Flower nectar |
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| Eastern Pine Elfin (Callophrys niphon) |
1-3 |
scrubs, oak-pine forests |
Mar-Apr |
| Larval Host Plants: Trees—Sand Pine (Pinus clausa) |
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| Adult Food Resources: Flower nectar |
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| Frosted Elfin (Callophrys irus) |
1-2 |
sandhills |
Mar-May |
| Larval Host Plants: Herbaceous plants—(Fabaceae), Sundial Lupine (Lupinus perennis) |
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| Adult Food Resources: Flower nectar |
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| Southern Oak Hairstreak (Fixsenia favonius) |
1-5 |
scrubs, woodlands, forest margins |
Feb-Apr |
| Larval Host Plants: Trees—Oaks (Quercus spp.) |
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| Adult Food Resources: Flower nectar |
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| White M Hairstreak (Parrhasius m-album) |
1-7 |
scrubs, woodlands, forest margins |
Mar-Nov |
| Larval Host Plants: Trees—Oaks (Quercus spp.) including Virginia Live Oak (Quercus virginiana) and Laurel Oak (Quercus laurifolia) |
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| Adult Food Resources: Flower nectar |
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| Gray Hairstreak (Strymon melinus) |
1-7 |
scrubs, open woodlands, disturbed areas, roadsides, gardens |
Feb-Nov |
| Larval Host Plantss: Herbaceous plants in several families including clover (Trifolium spp.), Partridge Pea (Chamaecrista fasciculata), ticktrefoil (Desmodium spp.), and milkpea (Galactia spp.) |
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| Adult Food Resources: Flower nectar |
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| Martial Scrub-Hairstreak (Strymon martialis) |
5-7 |
coastal areas |
All year |
| Larval Host Plants: Shrubs—Bay cedar (Suriana maritima) |
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| Adult Food Resources: Flower nectar |
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| Bartram's Scrub-Hairstreak (Strymon acis) |
6-7 |
pine rocklands |
All year |
| Larval Foods: Shrubs—Pineland Croton (Croton linearis) |
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| Adult Food Resources: Flower nectar |
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| Mallow Scrub-Hairstreak (Strymon istapa) |
5-7 |
fields |
All year |
| Larval Host Plants: Herbaceous plants—(Malvaceae) including Bladdermallow (Herissantia crispa), fanpetals (Sida spp.), and Sleepy Morning (Waltheria indica) |
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| Adult Food Resources: Flower nectar |
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| Fulvous Hairstreak (Electrostrymon angelia) |
5-7 |
disturbed sites, forest margins, coastal areas |
All year |
| Larval Host Plants: Trees—Jamaican Dogwood (Piscidia piscipula) |
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| Adult Food Resources: Flower nectar |
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| Eastern Pigmy-Blue (Brephidium pseudofea) |
1-7 |
salt marshes and tidal flats |
All year |
| Larval Host Plants: Herbaceous Plants—Annual Glasswort (Salcornia bigelovii), Perennial Glasswort (Sarcocornia perennis) |
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| Adult Food Resources: Flower nectar |
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| Casius Blue (Leptotes cassius) |
3-7 |
gardens, coastal areas, hammock margins, disturbed sites |
All year |
| Larval Host Plants: Trees—Florida Keys Blackbead (Pithecellobium keyense); Shrubs—-Leadwort (Plumbago auriculata); Herbaceous plants—milkpea (Galactia spp.) |
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| Adult Food Resources: Flower nectar |
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| Miami Blue (Cyclargus thomasi) |
7 |
coastal areas, tropical hardwood hammock margins |
All year |
| Larval Host Plants: Shrubs—Gray Nickerbean (Caesalpinia bonduc); Vines—Heartseed (Cardiospermum corindum.) |
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| Adult Food Resources: Flower nectar |
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| Ceraunus Blue (Hemiargus ceraunus) |
1-7 |
disturbed sites, roadsides, coastal areas, scrubs |
All year |
| Larval Host Plants: Herbaceous Plants—(Fabaceae) including Partridge Pea (Chamaecrista fasciculata) and Sensitive Pea (Chamaecrista nictitans) |
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| Adult Food Resources: Flower nectar |
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| Ammon Blue (Cyclargus ammon) |
7 |
tropical pine rocklands, coastal areas |
All year |
| Larval Host Plants: Shrubs—Sweet Acacia (Acacia farnesiana) and Pineland Acacia (Acacia pinetorum) |
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| Adult Food Resources: Flower nectar |
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| Eastern Tailed-Blue (Everes comyntas) |
1-2 |
disturbed sites, forest margins |
Feb-Nov |
| Larval Host Plants: Herbaceous Plants—(Fabaceae) including clovers (Trifolium spp.) |
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| Adult Food Resources: Flower nectar |
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| Spring Azure (Celastrina ladon) |
1-3 |
woodlands, forest margins, swamps |
Feb-Mar |
| Larval Host plants: Flowers and fruits of various trees and shrubs including Flowering Dogwood (Cornus florida) |
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| Adult Food Resources: Flower nectar |
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| Summer Azure (Celastrina neglecta) |
1-3 |
woodland margins, swamps |
Mar-Nov |
| Larval Host Pants: Flowers and fruits of various trees and shrubs |
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| Adult Food Resources: Flower nectar |
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Table 4.
| Table 4. Metalmark Butterflies (Family Riodinidae) |
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| SPECIES |
REGIONS |
HABITATS |
FLIGHT SEASON |
| Little Metalmark (Calephelis virginiensis) |
1-7 |
Wetlands, roadsides, pine savannas, open woodlands |
Mar-Nov |
| Larval Host Plants: Herbaceous Plants—Yellow Thistle (Cirsium horridulum) |
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| Adult Food Resources: Flower nectar |
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Table 5.
| Table 5. Brush-footed Butterflies (Family Nymphalidae) |
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| SPECIES |
REGION |
HABITATS |
FLIGHT SEASON |
| Snout Butterfly (Libytheana carinenta) |
1-6 |
wetlands, woodlands, forest margins, parks |
Feb-Nov |
| Larval Host Plants: Trees—Sugarberry (Celtis laevigata) |
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| Adult Food Resources: Flower nectar |
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| Gulf Fritillary (Agraulis vanillae) |
1-7 |
roadsides, disturbed sites, gardens, parks, coastal areas, forest margins |
All year |
| Larval Host Plants: Vines—(Passifloraceae) including PurplePassionflower (Passiflora incarnata) and Corkystem Passionflower (Passiflora suberosa) |
|||
| Adult Food Resources: Flower nectar |
|||
| Julia (Dryas iulia) |
4-7 |
tropical hardwood hammock margins, gardens, disturbed sites |
All year |
| Larval Host Plants: Vines—(Passifloraceae) including Corkystem Passionflower (Passiflora suberosa) |
|||
| Adult Food Resources: Flower nectar |
|||
| Zebra Longwing (Heliconius charithonia) |
1-7 |
open woodlands, forest margins, gardens, parks |
All year |
| Larval Host Plants: Vines—(Passifloraceae) including PurplePassionflower (Passiflora incarnata) and Corkystem Passionflower (Passiflora suberosa) |
|||
| Adult Food Resources: Flower nectar and pollen |
|||
| Variegated Fritillary (Eupioeta claudia) |
1-7 |
fields, disturbed sites |
All year |
| Larval Host Plants: Herbaceous plants and Vines—including Purple Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata) and violets (Viola spp.) |
|||
| Adult Food Reources: Flower nectar |
|||
| Silvery Checkerspot (Chlosyne nycteis) |
1 |
stream corridors, open woodlands, wetland margins |
Feb-Nov |
| Larval Host Plants: Herbaceous Plants—(Asteraceae) including Woodland Sunflower (Helianthus divaricatus) |
|||
| Adult Food Resources: Flower nectar |
|||
| Seminole Crescent (Anthanassa [Phyciodes] texana seminole) |
1-3 |
wetlands, stream corridors, swamp margins |
Mar-Nov |
| Larval Host Plans: Herbaceous Plants—Waterwillow (Justicia ovata) |
|||
| Adult Food Resources: Flower nectar |
|||
| Cuban Crescent (Anthanassa [Phyciodes] frisia) |
5-7 |
coastal areas, tropical hardwood hammock, margins, gardens |
All year |
| Larval Host Plants: Herbaceous Plants—(Acanthaceae) Sixangle Foldwing (Dicliptera sexangularis) |
|||
| Adult Food Resources: Flower nectar |
|||
| Phaon Crescent (Phyciodes phaon) |
1-7 |
roadsides, wetlands, pond margins, wet ditches, disturbed sites |
All year |
| Larval Host Plants: Herbaceous Plants—Turkey Tanglr Fogfruit (Phyla nodiflora) |
|||
| Adult Food Rsources: Flower nectar |
|||
| Pearl Crescent (Phyciodes tharos) |
1-6 |
open woodlands, fields, roadsides, disturbed sites |
All year |
| Larval Host Resources: Herbaceous Plants—(Asteraceae) (Symphyotrichum spp.) |
|||
| Adult FoodRsources: Flower nectar |
|||
| Question Mark (Polygonia interrogationis) |
1-4 |
woodlands, forest margins |
All year |
| Larval Host Plants: Trees—Sugarberry (Celtis laevigata) and Winged Elm (Ulmus alata) |
|||
| Adult Food Resources: Tree sap, rotting fruit |
|||
| Eastern Comma (Polygonia comma) |
1-2 |
deciduous forests, wetlands, fields |
All year |
| Larval Host Plants: Trees—Elms (Ulmus spp.); Herbaceous Plants--Nettles (Urticaceae) |
|||
| Adult Food Resources: Tree sap, rotting fruit |
|||
| Mourning Cloak (Nymphalis antiopa) |
1-2 |
woodlands, swamps, wetlands |
Feb-Nov |
| Larval Host Plants: Trees—Elms (Ulmus spp) and Willows (Salix spp.) |
|||
| Adult Food Resources: Tree sap, rotting fruit |
|||
| American Painted Lady (Vanessa virginiensis) |
1-7 |
disturbed sites, forest margin, fields, gardens |
Feb-Nov |
| Larval Host Plants: Herbaceous Plants—(Asteraceae) Cudweeds (Gamochaeta [Gnaphalium] spp.) |
|||
| Adult Food Resources: Flower nectar |
|||
| Red Admiral (Vanessa atalanta) |
1-7 |
open woodlands, wetlands, disturbed sites |
All year |
| Larval Host Plants: Herbaceous Plants—False Nettle (Boehmeria cylindrica), Florida Pellitory (Parietaria floridana), and Nettles (Urtica spp.) |
|||
| Adult Food Resources: Flower nectar, tree sap, and rotting fruit |
|||
| Common Buckeye (Junonia coenia) |
1-7 |
forest margins, roadsides, fields, disturbed sites, gardens |
All year |
| Larval Host Plants: Herbaceous Plants—Plantain (Plantago spp.), Twinflower (Dyschoriste spp.), Toadflax (Linaria spp.), False Foxglove (Agalinus spp.), Turkey Tangle Fogfruit (Phyla nodifloa) |
|||
| Adult Food Resources: Flower nectar, rotting fruit |
|||
| Mangrove Buckeye (Junonia evarete) |
5-7 |
mangrove swamps, salt marshes, adjacent coastal areas |
All year |
| Larval Host Plants: Trees—Black Mangrove (Avicennia germinans) |
|||
| Adult Food Resources: Flower nectar |
|||
| Tropical Buckeye (Junonia genoveva) |
6-7 |
coastal area, disturbed sites |
All year |
| Larval Host Plants: Herbaceous Plants—Blue Porterweed (Stachytarpheta jamaicensis) |
|||
| Adult Food Resources: Flower nectar |
|||
| White Peacock (Anartia jatrophae) |
2-7 |
wetlands, roadsides, cannals, wet ditches, disturbed sites |
All year |
| Larval Host Plants: Herbaceous Plants—Waterhyssop (Bacopa monieri) and Turkey Tangle Fogfruit (Phyla nodiflora) |
|||
| Adult Food Resources: Flower nectar |
|||
| Malachite (Siproeta stelenes) |
5-7 |
tropical hardwood hammock, shrubby sites, disturbed sites |
All year |
| Larval Host Plants: Herbaceous Plants—Green Shrimp Plant (Blechum pyramidatum) |
|||
| Adult Food Resources: Flower nectar, rotting fruit |
|||
| Red-spotted Purple (Basilarchia [Limenitis] arthemis astyanax) |
1-3 |
secondary-growth woodlands, forest margins, swamps, wetlands |
Mar-Oct |
| Larval Host Plants: Trees—Black Cherry (Prunus serotina), Carolina Willow (Salix caroliniana); Shrubs—Deerberry (Vaccinium stamineum) |
|||
| Adult Food Resources: Flower nectar, rotting fruit |
|||
| Viceroy (Basilarchia [Limenitis] archippus) |
1-6 |
wetlands, marshes |
Mar-Nov |
| Larval Host Plants: Trees—Willows (Salix spp.) |
|||
| Adult Food Resources: Flower nectar, rotting fruit |
|||
| Florida Purplewing (Eunica tatila) |
7 |
tropical hardwood hammocks |
All year |
| Larval Host Pants: Trees—Crabwood (Gymnanthes lucida) |
|||
| Adult Food Resources: Tree sap, rotting fruit |
|||
| Dingy purplewing |
6-7 |
tropical hardwood hammocks and margins |
All year |
| Larval Foods: Trees—Gumbo Limbo (Bursera simaruba) |
|||
| Adult Food Resources: Tree sap, rotting fruit |
|||
| Ruddy Daggerwing (Marpesia petreus) |
4-7 |
tropical hardwood hammocks, wetlands |
All year |
| Larval Host Plants: Trees—Strangler Fig (Ficus aurea) |
|||
| Adult Food Resources: Flower nectar, tree sap, rotting fruit |
|||
| Goatweed Leafwing (Anaea andrea) |
1-3 |
woodlands, pinelands |
All year |
| Larval Host Plants: Herbaceous Plants—Silver Croton (Croton argyranthmus) and Woolly Croton (Croton capitatus) |
|||
| Adult Food Resources: Tree sap, rotting fruit |
|||
| Florida Leafwing (Anaea troglodyte floridalis) |
6-7 |
tropical pine rocklands |
All year |
| Larval Host Plants: Pineland Croton (Croton linearis) |
|||
| Adult Food Resources: Tree sap, rotting fruit |
|||
| Hackberry Emperor (Asterocampa celtis) |
1-5 |
woodlands, stream corridors, parks, forest margins |
Mar-Nov |
| Larval Host Plants: Trees—Sugarberry (Celtis laevigata) |
|||
| Adult Food Resources: Tree sap, rotting fruit |
|||
| Tawny Emperor (Asterocampa clyton) |
1-6 |
woodlands, stream corridors forest margins, parks |
Mar-Nov |
| Larval Host Plants: Trees—Sugarberry (Celtis laevigata) |
|||
| Adult Food Resources: Tree sap, rotting fruit |
|||
| Southern Pearly-Eye (Enodia portlandia) |
1-3 |
wetlands, moist woodlands, stream corridors, canebrakes |
Feb-Nov |
| Larval Host Plants: Grasses (Poaceae) —Switchcane (Arundinaria gigantea) |
|||
| Adult Food Resources: Sap, rotting fruit, and vegetation |
|||
| Appalachian Brown (Satyrodes appalachia) |
1-4 |
moist woodlands, swamps, stream corridors |
Mar-Nov |
| Larval Host Pants: Sedges (Cyperaceae) |
|||
| Adult Food Resources: Sap, rotting fruit, and vegetation |
|||
| Gemmed Satyr (Cyllopsis gemma) |
1-4 |
moist woodlands, stream corridors, swamps |
Mar-Nov |
| Larval Host Plants: Grasses (Poaceae—including Slender Woodoats Chasmanthium laxum) |
|||
| Adult Food Resources: Tree sap |
|||
| Georgia Satyr (Neonympha areolata) |
1-6 |
marginal wetlands, moist woodlands, pine savannas, wet ditches |
Mar-Nov |
| Larval Host Plants: Grasses (Poaceae) and Sedges (Cyperaceae) |
|||
| Adult Food Resources: Unknown |
|||
| Carolina Satyr (Hermeuptychia sosybius) |
1-7 |
woodlands, forest margins, wetlands, adjacent open areas |
All year |
| Larval Host Plants: Grasses (Poaceae)—including St. Augustinegrass (Stenotaphrum secundatum) |
|||
| Adult Food Resources: Flower nectar, sap |
|||
| Little Wood Satyr (Megisto cymela) |
1-4 |
woodlands, forest margins, swamps |
Mar-May |
| Larval Host Plants: Grasses (Poaceae) |
|||
| Adult Food Resources: Sap, rotting fruit and vegetation |
|||
| Common Wood Nymph (Cercyonis pegala) |
1-4 |
woodlands, forest margin, swamps |
Jul-Sep |
| Larval Host Plants: Grasses (Poaceae) |
|||
| Adult Food Resources: Flower nectar, sap, rotting fruit and vegetation |
|||
| Monarch (Danaus plexippus) |
1-7 |
open areas, fields, gardens, disturbed sites, parks, scrubs, pastures, marshes |
All year |
| Larval Host Plants: Herbaceous plants (Apocynaeae)—Milkweeds (Asclepias spp.) including Pineland Milkweed (Asclepias humistrata), White Swamp Milkweed (Asclepias perennis), Pink Swamp Milkweed (Asclepias incarnata), Butterfly Weed (Asclepias tuberosa) |
|||
| Adult Food Resources: Flower nectar |
|||
| Queen (Danaus gilippus) |
1-7 |
open pinelands, forest margins, fields, marshes, pastures, gardens, parks |
All year |
| Larval Host Plants: Herbaceous plants (Apocynaeae)—Milkweeds (Asclepias spp.) including Pineland Milkweed (Asclepias humistrata), White Swamp Milkweed (Asclepias perennis), Pink Swamp Milkweed (Asclepias incarnata); Vines—White Twinvine (Sarcostemma clausum) and Florida Milkvine (Matelea floridana) |
|||
| Adult Food Resources: Flower nectar |
|||
| Soldier (Danaus eresimus) |
4-7 |
marshes, gardens, open areas, disturbed sites, pastures, parks |
All year |
| Larval Host Plants: Herbaceous plants (Apocynaeae)—Milkweeds (Asclepias spp.).; Vines—White Twinvine (Sarcostemma clausum) |
|||
| Adult Food Resources: Flower nectar |
|||
Table 6.
| Tabe 6. Skippers (Family Hesperiidae) |
|||
| SPECIES |
REGIONS |
HABITATS |
FLIGHT SEASON |
| Silver-spotted Skipper (Epargyreus clarus) |
1-7 |
woodlands, forest margin, swamps, gardens |
Mar-Nov |
| Larval Host Plants: Vines—including American Hogpeanut (Amphicarpeae bracteata), American Wisteria (Wisteria frutescens), and Groundnut (Apios americana); Shrubs—Bastard Indigo (Amorpha fruticosa) |
|||
| Adult Food Resources: Flower nectar |
|||
| Mangrove Skipper (Phocides pigmalion) |
4-7 |
mangroves, coastal areas |
All year |
| Larval Host Plants: Trees—Red Mangrove (Rhizophora mangle) |
|||
| Adult Food Resources: Flower nectar |
|||
| Hammock Skipper (Polygonus leo) |
6-7 |
tropical hardwood hammocks and margins, parks, gardens |
All year |
| Larval Host Plants: Jamaican Dogwood (Piscidia piscipula) |
|||
| Adult Food Resources: Flower nectar |
|||
| Long-tailed Skipper (Urbanus proteus) |
1-7 |
open areas, disturbed sites, forest margins, parks, gardens |
All year |
| Larval Host Plants: Herbaceous plants (Fabaceae)—including Ticktrefoil (Desmodium spp.); Vines—American Wisteria (Wisteria americana), Butterfly Pea (Centrosema spp.), and Milkpea (Galactia spp.) |
|||
| Adult Food Resources: Flower nectar |
|||
| Dorantes Longtail (Urbanus dorantes) |
1-7 |
woodland margins, disturbed sites, roadsides, gardens |
All year |
| Larval Host Plants: Herbaceous Plants (Fabaceae) including Ticktrefoil (Desmodium spp.) |
|||
| Adult Food Resources: Flower nectar |
|||
| Golden Banded-Skipper (Autochton cellus) |
1-2 |
moist woodlands, forest margins, wetlands |
Mar-Nov |
| Larval Host Plants: Vines—including American Hogpeanut (Amphicarpeae bracteata) |
|||
| Adult Food Resources: Flower nectar |
|||
| Hoary Edge (Achalarus lyciades) |
1-2 |
woodlands, forest margins |
Mar-Nov |
| Larval Host Plants: Herbaceous Plants—Ticktrefoil (Desmodium spp.); Vines—Atlantic Pigeonwings (Clitoria mariana) |
|||
| Adult Food Resources: Flower nectar |
|||
| Southern Cloudywing (Thorybes bathyllus) |
1-4 |
dry woodlands, forest margins, gardens |
Mar-Oct |
| Larval Host Plants: Herbaceous Plants—Ticktrefoil (Desmodium spp.); Vines—Atlantic Pigeonwings (Clitoria mariana) |
|||
| Adult Food Resources: Flower nectar |
|||
| Northern Cloudywing (Thorybes pylades) |
1-5 |
dry woodlands, forest margins, gardens |
Mar-Nov |
| Larval Host Plants: Herbaceous Plants—Ticktrefoil (Desmodium spp.); Vines—Groundnut (Apios americana), Butterfly Pea (Centrosema spp.), and Milkpea (Galactia spp.) |
|||
| Adult Food Resources: Flower nectar |
|||
| Confused Cloudywng (Thorybes confusis) |
1-4 |
dry woodlands, forest margins |
Mar-Oct |
| Larva Host Plants: Herbaceous Plants (Fabaceae) including Bush Clover (Lespedeza spp.) |
|||
| Adult Food Resources: Flower nectar |
|||
| Hayhursts Scallopwing (Staphylus hayhurstii) |
1-6 |
woodlands, forest margins |
Feb- Nov |
| Larval Host Plants: Herbaceous Plant: Jubas Bush (Iresine diffusa) |
|||
| Adult Food Resources: Flower nectar |
|||
| Florida Duskywing (Ephyriades brunneus) |
6-7 |
tropical pine rocklands, hardwood hammock margins |
All year |
| Larval Host Plants: Shrub—Long Key Locustberry (Byrsonima lucida) |
|||
| Adult Food Resources: Flower nectar |
|||
| Junevals Duskywing (Erynnis juvenalis) |
1-5 |
dry woodlands, forest margins, adjacent open areas |
Jan-Mar |
| Larval Host Plants: Trees—Oaks (Quercus spp.) |
|||
| Adult Food Resources: Flower nectar |
|||
| Sleepy Duskywing (Erynnis brizo) |
1-5 |
dry woodlands, forest margins, adjacent open areas |
Jan-Mar |
| Larval Host Plants: Trees—Oaks (Quercus spp.) |
|||
| Adult Food Resources: Flower nectar |
|||
| Horaces Duskywing (Erynnis horatius) |
1-7 |
woodlands, forest margins, swamps, adjacent open areas |
Feb-Oct |
| Larval Host Plants: Trees—Oaks (Quercus spp.) |
|||
| Adult Food Resources: Flower nectar |
|||
| Mottled Duskywing (Erynnis martialis) |
1 |
dry woodlands, forest margins, adjacent open areas |
Mar-Sep |
| Larval Host Plants: Shrub—New Jersey Tea (Ceanothus americanus) |
|||
| Adult Food Resources: Flower nectar |
|||
| Zarucco Duskywing (Erynnis zarucco) |
1-7 |
woodlands, forest margins, wetland edges, adjacent open areas |
Feb-Nov |
| Larval Host Plants: Herbaceous Plants—Wild White Indigo (Baptisia alba) and Blatterpod (Sesbania vesicaria); Vines – Milkpea (Galactia spp.) |
|||
| Adult Food Resources: Flower nectar |
|||
| Wild Indigo Duskywing (Erynnis baptisiae) |
1-2 |
dry woodlands, forest margins |
Mar-Oct |
| Larval Host Plants: Herbaceous Plants (Fabaceae)—Wild White Indigo (Bapisia alba) and Carolina Indigo (Indigofera caroliniana) |
|||
| Adult Food Resources: Flower nectar |
|||
| Common Sootywing (Pholisora catullus) |
1-3 |
disturbed sites, pastures, fallow agricultural land, gardens |
Mar-Oct |
| Larval Host Plants: Herbaceous Plants (Amaranthaceae)—Lambs Quarters (Chenopodium album) |
|||
| Adult Food Resources: Flower nectar |
|||
| Common Checkered-Skipper (Pyrgus communis) |
1-4 |
disturbed sites, roadsides, fields, pastures |
Feb-Nov |
| Larval Host Plants: Herbaceous Pants (Malvaceae)—Cuban Jute (Sida rhombifolia) and Common Fanpetals (Sida acuta) |
|||
| Adult Food Resources: Flower nectar |
|||
| White Checkered-Skipper (Pyrgus albescens) |
1-6 |
disturbed sites, roadsides, fields, pastures |
Feb-Nov |
| Larval Host Plants: Herbaceous Pants (Malvaceae)—Cuban Jute (Sida rhombifolia) and Common Fanpetals (Sida acuta) |
|||
| Adult Food Resources: Flower nectar |
|||
| Tropical Checkered-Skipper (Pyrgus oileus) |
1-7 |
disturbed sites, roadsides, fields, pastures |
Feb-Nov |
| Larval Host Plants: Herbaceous Pants (Malvaceae)—Cuban Jute (Sida rhombifolia) and Common Fanpetals (Sida acuta) |
|||
| Adult Food Resources: Flower nectar |
|||
| Swarthy Skipper (Nastra lherminier) |
1-7 |
open woodlands, forest margins, fields, pine savannas, disturbed sites |
Feb-Nov |
| Larval Host Plants: Grasses (Poaceae)—Bluestem (Andropogon spp.) and Indiangrass (Sorghastrum spp.) |
|||
| Adult Food Resources: Flower nectar |
|||
| Neamathla Skipper (Nastra neamathla) |
2-6 |
open woodlands, forest margins, fields, pine savannas, disturbed sites |
Feb-Nov |
| Larval Host Plants: Grasses (Poaceae)—Bluestem (Andropogon spp.) |
|||
| Adult Food Resources: Flower nectar |
|||
| Three-spotted Skipper (Cymaenes tripunctus) |
5-7 |
woodlands, forest margins, disturbed sites |
All year |
| Larval Host Plants: Grasses (Poaceae) – Eastern Gamagrass (Tripsacum dactyloides) and Thin Paspalum (Paspalum setaceum) |
|||
| Adult Food Resources: Flower nectar |
|||
| Eufala Skipper (Lerodea eufala) |
1-7 |
forest margins, pastures, disturbed sites |
Mar-Oct |
| Larval Host Plants: Grasses (Poaceae) |
|||
| Adult Food Resources: Flower nectar |
|||
| Clouded Skipper (Lerema accius) |
1-7 |
moist woodlands, wetlands, forest margins, disturbed sites |
Mar- Nov |
| Larval Host Plants: Grasses (Poaceae) |
|||
| Adult Food Resources: Flower nectar |
|||
| Southern Skipperling (Copaeodes minimus) |
1-6 |
wet meadows, roadsides, forest margins, moist ditches, roadsides, disturbed sites |
Feb -Dec |
| Larval Host Plants: Grasses (Poaceae) |
|||
| Adult Food Resources: Flower nectar |
|||
| Least Skipper (Ancyloxypha numitor) |
1-6 |
wetlands, stream margins, swaps, wet meadows, ditches, disturbed sites |
Mar-Oct |
| Larval Host Plants: Grasses (Poaceae) |
|||
| Adult Food Resources: Flower nectar |
|||
| Dotted Skipper (Hesperia attalus) |
1-4 |
dry pine woodlands |
Mar-Nov |
| Larval Host Plants: Grasses (Poaceae) |
|||
| Adult Food Resources: Flower nectar |
|||
| Meskes Skipper (Hesperia meskei) |
1-7 |
dry pine woodlands, tropical pine rocklands |
May-Oct |
| Larval Host Plants: Grasses (Poaceae) |
|||
| Adult Food Resources: Flower nectar |
|||
| Baracoa Skipper (Polites baracoa) |
1-7 |
dry pine woodlands, forest margins, disturbed sites |
Feb-Nov |
| Larval Host Plants: Grasses (Poaceae) |
|||
| Adult Food Resources: Flower nectar |
|||
| Tawny-edged Skipper (Polites thermistocles) |
1-5 |
open woodlands, pine savannas, forest margins, fields |
Mar-Nov |
| Larval Host Plants: Grasses (Poaceae) |
|||
| Adult Food Resources: Flower nectar |
|||
| Crossline Skipper (Polites origenes) |
1-4 |
wetlands, pine savannas, seeps, moist meadows |
Apr-Oct |
| Larval Host Plants: Grasses (Poaceae) |
|||
| Adult Food Resources: Flower nectar |
|||
| Whirlabout (Polites vibex) |
1-7 |
open woodlands, forest margins, disturbed sites, gardens, yards |
All year |
| Larval Host Plants: Grasses (Poaceae)—St. Augustinegrass (Stenotaphrum secundatum) |
|||
| Adult Food Resources: Flower nectar |
|||
| Southern Broken-Dash (Wallengrenia otho) |
1-7 |
woodlands, forest margins, gardens |
Mar-Nov |
| Larval Host Plants: Grasses (Poaceae) |
|||
| Adult Food Resources: Flower nectar |
|||
| Northern Broken-Dash (Wallengrenia egeremet) |
1-4 |
woodlands, forest margins, swamps |
Apr-Oct |
| Larval Host Plants: Grasses (Poaceae) |
|||
| Adult Food Resources: Flower nectar |
|||
| Little Glassywing (Pompeius verna) |
1-3 |
woodlands, forest margins, swamps |
Apr-Oct |
| Larval Host Plants: Grasses (Poaceae) |
|||
| Adult Food Resources: Flower nectar |
|||
| Sachem (Atalopedes campestris) |
1-7 |
woodlands, forest margins, wetlands, disturbed sites |
Mar-Nov |
| Larval Host Plants: Grasses (Poaceae) |
|||
| Adult Food Resources: Flower nectar |
|||
| Arogos Skipper (Atrytone arogos) |
2-5 |
prairies, wetlands, pine savannas |
Apr-Oct |
| Larval Host Plants: Grasses (Poaceae)—Lopsided Indiangrass (Sorghastrum secundum) |
|||
| Adult Food Resources: Flower nectar |
|||
| Delaware Skipper (Anatrytone logan) |
1-6 |
forest margins, wetlands, moist meadows, pine savannas, marsh edges, old fields |
Apr-Oct |
| Larval Host Plants: Grasses (Poaceae)—including Bluestem (Andropogon spp.), Indiangrass (Sorghastrum spp.), and Switchcane (Arundinaria gigantea) |
|||
| Adult Food Resources: Flower nectar |
|||
| Byssus Skipper (Problema byssus) |
1-6 |
forest margins, stream corridors, wetlands |
Apr-Oct |
| Larval Host Plants: Grasses (Poaceae)—Slender Woodoats (Chamanthium laxum) and Plumegrass (Saccharum spp.) |
|||
| Adult Food Resources: Flower nectar |
|||
| Zabulon Skipper (Poanes zabulon) |
1-3 |
forest margins, wet woods, stream corridors, wetland margins |
Mar-Oct |
| Larval Host Plants: Grasses (Poaceae) |
|||
| Adult Food Resources: Flower nectar |
|||
| Aarons Skipper (Poanes aaroni) |
1-6 |
wetlands, stream corridors, freshwater and salt marsh margins |
Mar-Oct |
| Larval Host Plants: Grasses (Poaceae) |
|||
| Adult Food Resources: Flower nectar |
|||
| Yehl Skipper (Poanes yehl) |
1-2 |
forest margins, moist woodlands, swamp margins, canebrakes |
Apr-Oct |
| Larval Host Plants: Grasses (Poaceae) |
|||
| Adult Food Resources: Flower nectar |
|||
| Broad-winged Skipper (Poanes viator) |
1-2 |
wetlands, marsh edges, stream corridors |
Apr-Oct |
| Larval Host Plants: Grasses (Poaceae) |
|||
| Adult Food Resources: Flower nectar |
|||
| Palmetto Skipper (Euphyes arpa) |
1-7 |
pine woodlands, pine savannas, scrubs |
Mar-Oct |
| Larval Host Plants: Palms (Arecaceae)—Saw Palmetto (Serenoa repens) |
|||
| Adult Food Resources: Flower nectar |
|||
| Palatka Skipper (Euphyes pilatka) |
1-7 |
wetlands, freshwater and brackish marshes, wet prairies |
Mar-Nov |
| Larval Host Plants: Sedges (Cyperaceae)—Sawgrass (Cladium jamaicense) |
|||
| Adult Food Resources: Flower nectar |
|||
| Dion Skipper (Euphyes dion) |
1-3 |
wet meadows, pine savannas, moist roadsides, swamp margins |
Apr-Oct |
| Larval Host Plants: Sedges (Cyperaceae)—Sedges (Carex spp.) |
|||
| Adult Food Resources: Flower nectar |
|||
| Dukes' Skipper (Euphyes dukesi) |
2-3 |
wetlands, wooded swamps |
May-Oct |
| Larval Host Plants: Sedges (Cyperaceae)—Sedges (Carex spp.) |
|||
| Adult Food Resources: Flower nectar |
|||
| Berry's Skipper (Euphyes berryi) |
1-7 |
wetlands, moist meadows, pine savannas, swamp margins |
Mar-Oct |
| Larval Host Plants: Sedges (Cyperaceae)—Sedges (Carex spp.) |
|||
| Adult Food Resources: Flower nectar |
|||
| Dun Skipper (Euphyes vestris) |
1-3 |
moist woodland margins, wetlands, swamp edges |
Apr-Oct |
| Larval Host Plants: Sedges (Cyperaceae)—Sedges (Carex spp.) |
|||
| Adult Food Resources: Flower nectar |
|||
| Monk (Asbolis capucinus) |
3-7 |
woodlands, forest margins, parks |
Mar-Dec |
| Larval Host Plants: Palms (Arecaceae)—including Saw Palmetto (Serenoa repens), Cabbage Palm (Sabal palmetto), Florida Thatch Palm (Thrinax morrisii), and Florida Silver Palm (Coccothrinax argentata) |
|||
| Adult Food Resources: Flower nectar |
|||
| Dusted Skipper (Atrytonopsis hianna) |
1-5 |
pine savannas, pine woodlands, prairies |
Mar-Oct |
| Larval Host Plants: Grasses (Poaceae)—Lopsided Indiangrass (Sorghastrum secundum) |
|||
| Adult Food Resources: Flower nectar |
|||
| Pepper and Salt Skipper (Amblyscirtes hegon) |
1-2 |
moist woodland margins and clearings, swamp edges |
Apr-Aug |
| Larval Host Plants: Grasses (Poaceae) |
|||
| Adult Food Resources: Flower nectar |
|||
| Lace-winged Roadside-Skipper (Amblyscirtes aesculapius) |
1-3 |
moist woodland margins and clearings, swamp edges |
Mar-Oct |
| Larval Host Plants: Grasses (Poaceae)—Switchcane (Arudinaria gigantea) |
|||
| Adult Food Resources: Flower nectar |
|||
| Common Roadside-Skipper (Amblyscrtes vialis) |
1 |
woodland margins and clearings |
Apr-Sep |
| Larval Host Plants: Grasses (Poaceae) |
|||
| Adult Food Resources: Flower nectar |
|||
| Reversed Roadside-Skipper (Amblyscirtes reversa) |
1 |
wetlands, canebrakes, seeps |
Apr-Sep |
| Larval Host Plants: Grasses (Poaceae)—Switchcane (Arudinaria gigantea) |
|||
| Adult Food Resources: Flower nectar |
|||
| Dusky Roadside-Skipper (Amblyscirtes alternata) |
1-3 |
dry pine woodlands, pine savannas |
Mar-Oct |
| Larval Host Plants: Grasses (Poaceae) |
|||
| Adult Food Resources: Flower nectar |
|||
| Twin-spot Skipper (Oligoria maculata) |
1-7 |
moist woodland margins, pine savannas, marsh edges, fields |
Mar-Oct |
| Larval Host Plants: Grasses (Poaceae)—Bluestem (Andropogon spp.) |
|||
| Adult Food Resources: Flower nectar |
|||
| Brazilian Skipper (Calpodes ethlius) |
1-7 |
wetlands, swamps, marshes, gardens, parks |
All year |
| Larval Host Plants: Herbaceous Plants (Cannaceae)—Bandana-of-the-Everglades (Canna florida) and ornamental Canna spp. |
|||
| Adult Food Resources: Flower nectar |
|||
| Salt Marsh Skipper (Panoquina panoquin) |
1-7 |
salt marshes and adjacent open areas |
Feb-Dec |
| Larval Host Plants: Grasses (Poaceae)—Saltmarsh Cordgrass (Spartina alterniflora) and Saltgrass (Distichlis spicata) |
|||
| Adult Food Resources: Flower nectar |
|||
| Obscure Skipper (Panoquina panoquinoides) |
3-7 |
salt marshes and adjacent open areas |
Apr-Nov |
| Larval Host Plants: Grasses (Poaceae) |
|||
| Adult Food Resources: Flower nectar |
|||
| Ocola Skipper (Panoquina ocola) |
1-7 |
wetlands, marshes, wet meadows, roadsides, disturbed sites, gardens |
Feb-Nov |
| Larval Host Plants: Grasses (Poaceae) |
|||
| Adult Food Resources: Flower nectar |
|||
| Yucca Giant-Skipper (Megathymus yuccae) |
1-5 |
dry pine woodlands, scrubs, old fields, coastal dunes |
Feb-May |
| Larval Host Plants: Shrubs (Agavaceae)—Adams Needle (Yucca filamentosa) and Spanish Bayonet (Yucca aloifolia) |
|||
| Adult Food Resources: Unknown |
|||
| Cofaqui Giant-Skipper (Megathymus cofaqui) |
1-5 |
dry pine woodlands, scrubs, old fields, coastal dunes |
Apr-Oct |
| Larval Host Plants: Shrubs (Agavaceae)—Adams Needle (Yucca filamentosa) and Spanish Bayonet (Yucca aloifolia) |
|||
| Adult Food Resources: Unknown |
|||
Table 7.
| Table 7. Native Butterfly Nectar Plants. North and Central Florida: Regions 1-4. |
||
| Common Name |
Scientific Name |
Flowering Season |
| TREES |
||
| Eastern Redbud |
Cercis canadensis |
Spring |
| Dahoon Holly |
Ilex cassine |
Spring |
| Chickasaw Plum |
Prunus angustifolia |
Spring |
| Hog Plum |
Prunus umbellata |
Spring |
| Sparkleberry |
Vaccinium arboreum |
Spring |
| Walters Viburnum |
Viburnum abovatum |
Spring |
| SHRUBS |
||
| Bastard Indigo |
Amorpha fruticosa |
Summer-Fall |
| Buttonbush |
Cephalanthus occidentalis |
Spring-Summer |
| New Jersey Tea |
Ceanothus americanus |
Spring |
| Summersweet |
Clethra alnifolia |
Summer |
| Garberia |
Garberia heterophylla |
Summer-Fall |
| Firebush |
Hamelia patens |
Summer-Fall |
| Inkberry |
Ilex glabra |
Spring-Summer |
| Wild Azalea |
Rhododendron canescens |
Spring |
| Florida Flame Azalea |
Rhododendron austrinum |
Spring |
| WILDFLOWERS |
||
| False Foxglove |
Agalinus spp. |
Fall |
| Pink Swamp Milkweed |
Asclepias incarnata |
Summer-Fall |
| White Swamp Milkweed |
Asclepias perennis |
Summer-Fall |
| Butterfly Milkweed |
Asclepias tuberosa |
Spring-Summer |
| Aster |
Aster spp. |
Summer-Fall |
| Florida Paint Brush |
Carphephorus corymbosus |
Fall |
| Vanilla Plant |
Carphephorus odoratissimus |
Fall |
| Golden Aster |
Chrysopsis spp. |
Fall |
| Mistflower |
Conoclinium coelestinum |
Summer-Fall |
| Dalea |
Dalea spp. |
Fall |
| Purple Coneflower |
Echinacea purpurea |
Summer |
| Elephants-foot |
Elepjantopus elatus |
Summer-Fall |
| Snakeroot |
Eryngium aquaticum |
Summer |
| Mistflower |
Eupatorium coelestinum |
Summer-Fall |
| Joe-pye Weed |
Eupatorium fistulosum |
Summer-Fall |
| Blanket Flower |
Gaillardia pulchella |
Summer-Fall |
| Coastal Vervain |
Glandularia maritima |
Summer |
| Narrow-leaf Sunflower |
Helianthus angustifolius |
Summer-Fall |
| Beach Sunflower |
Helianthus debilis |
Summer-Fall |
| Scarlet Hibiscus |
Hibiscus coccineus |
Summer-Fall |
| Redroot |
Lachnanthes caroliana |
Summer-Fall |
| Blazing Star |
Liatris spp. |
Summer-Fall |
| Cardinal Flower |
Lobelia cardinalis |
Summer-Fall |
| Snow Squarestem |
Melanhera nivea |
Summer-Fall |
| Hempweed |
Mikania scandens |
Fall |
| Horsemint |
Monarda punctata |
Fall |
| Turkey Tangle Fogfruit |
Phyla nodiflora |
Spring-Fall |
| Black-eyed Susan |
Rudbeckia hirta |
Summer-Fall |
| Yellow Coneflower |
Ratibida pinnata |
Summer-Fall |
| Cut-leaved Coneflower |
Rudbeckia lanciniata |
Summer-Fall |
| Wild Petunia |
Ruellia caroliniensis |
Spring-Fall |
| Salvia (Sage) |
Salvia spp. |
Summer-Fall |
| Rosinweed |
Silphium asteriscus |
Summer-Fall |
| Goldenrod |
Solidago spp. |
Summer-Fall |
| Stokes' Aster |
Stokesia laevis |
Summer-Fall |
| Ironweed |
Vernonia spp. |
Summer |
Table 8.
| Table 8. Native Butterfly Nectar Plants. South Florida: Regions 5-7. |
||
| Common Name |
Scientific Name |
Flowering Season |
TREES |
||
| Geiger Tree |
Cordia sebestena |
Summer-Winter |
SHRUBS |
||
| Buttonbush |
Cephalanthus occidentalis |
Summer |
| Buttonwood |
Conocarpus erectus |
Spring-Summer |
| Firebush |
Hamelia patens |
All year |
| Buttonsage |
Lantana involucrata |
Summer-Winter |
| Wild Coffee |
Psychotria nervosa |
Spring |
| Necklace Pod |
Sophora tomentosa |
Summer-Winter |
| PERENNIALS |
||
| Mistflower |
Conoclinium coelestinum |
Summer-Fall |
| Beach Sunflower |
Helianthus debilis |
All Year |
| Scorpion-tail |
Heliotropium angiospermum |
All Year |
| Snow Squarestem |
Melanhera nivea |
All Year |
| Turkey Tangle Fogfruit |
Phyla nodiflora |
All Year |
| Blue Porterweed |
Stachytarpheta jamaicensis |
Spring |
Footnotes
1. This document is WEC 22, one of a series of the Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, Florida Cooperative Extension Service, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida. First published December, 1990. Revised September, 2002. Major revision February, 2008. Visit the EDIS Web Site at http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu.
2. Jaret C. Daniels, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Department of Entomology and Nematology; Joe Schaefer, Ph.D., South District Extension Director; Craig N. Huegel, Former Assistant Extension Scientist, Pinellas Country; and Frank J. Mazzotti, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, Everglades REC, Belle Glade, FL 33430; University of Florida, Florida Cooperative Extension Service, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences.The Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS) is an Equal
Opportunity Institution authorized to provide research, educational
information and other services only to individuals and institutions
that function with non-discrimination with respect to race, creed,
color, religion, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, marital
status, national origin, political opinions or affiliations.
For more information on obtaining other extension publications,
contact your county Cooperative Extension service.
U.S. Department of Agriculture, Cooperative Extension Service,
University of Florida, IFAS, Florida A. & M. University Cooperative
Extension Program, and Boards of County Commissioners Cooperating. Larry Arrington, Dean.
