Tom Allen - Butterfly expert and author, Wildlife artist and researcher, Environmental consultant

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Butterfly gardening tips for SW Florida

The butterflies in these photos are commonly found in SW Florida yards and gardens.

It's important to know which butterflies are common in your area. A good state field guide is a valuable reference for successful butterfly gardening.
You will need to be familiar with the flowers and plants that attract local butterflies to your garden. This will include both nectar and host plants. For instance, milkweed attracts Monarch butterflies both as a nectar source and as a host plant. Native passionvine attracts Gulf Fritillaries and Zebra Longwings, but only as a host plant. Cultivate other flowers for them to nectar on.
The location of your butterfly garden is another important consideration. Gulf Fritillaries like passionvine in sunny areas, while Zebras like the shade, so where you plant the passionvine will determine which species you attract.

Is it a butterfly or a moth? Click here to see the difference.

Is it a Butterfly or a Moth? Click photo for larger view.

Butterfly antennae always form a club at the tip.

Moths lack a club at the tip of their antennae.