Information pertaining to the life history patterns, host
range and habitat associations of various butterflies is
essential prior to designing the garden.
There are two major phases in the life cycle of butterflies-
a juvenile or caterpillar stage which feeds on foliage of
specific plants and an adult (butterfly) stage which feeds
at flowers on nectar or sap of over-ripe fruits, sappy
exudations from plants or the fluid content of excreta of
animals and birds.
Citrus, Albizia, Cassia, Cinnamomum, Aristolochia, Milk
weeds, Tylophora, Wattakakka and Mussaenda are the common
larval host plants that can be introduced for attracting
various butterflies found in Kerala. Ixora, Lantana,
Mussaenda, Marigold, Cuphea, Zinnia and Clerodendron are
some common nectar plants favoured by many species of
butterflies. Common Mime, Common Rose, Crimson Rose, Lime
Butterfly, Blue Mormon, Southern Birdwing, Glassy Blue
Tiger, Blue Tiger, Dark Blue Tiger, Emigrants and Grass
Yellows are some butterflies that can be easily sustained in
the butterfly garden. As the butterfly population increases,
a variety of organisms including praying mantis, spiders,
lizards and birds also colonise the area leading to a
stabilization of habitats and better functioning of
ecosystems.
Butterflies require specific eco-climatic conditions.
Temperature ranging from 24-26° C and 85-95% relative
humidity are suited for most butterflies. Habitats having
bright sunshine, shade, bushes, streams and ponds, lianas
and tall trees are preferred by specific groups of
butterflies. For maintaining appropriate ecoclimatic
conditions, it is essential to set up ponds, waterfalls,
streams, bushes, openings etc., in the garden area.
Information boards as well as models depicting butterfly
life can be set up in the garden for providing information
on the life of butterflies.
Since most of the butterfly host plants are confined to
natural patches of vegetation, it is important to conserve
such types of vegetation which is usually found along roads,
rivers and open landscapes. As we conserve these habitats,
we are indirectly conserving a variety of native plants and
animals as well.
