The American lady butterfly , also known as Vanessa virginiensis , has several boniface industrial plant that it rely on for survival . These host plants belong to the sunflower family and allow food and shelter for the butterfly at unlike point of its life cycles/second .
One of the host plant for the American ma’am butterfly stroke is the sweet everlasting , scientifically recognize as Gnaphalium obtusifolium . This plant is native to North America and is characterize by its small , white flowers that flower in late summer . The American noblewoman butterfly stroke lays its eggs on the leaves of the perfumed everlasting , and the caterpillar tip on the works ’s leafage .
Another host plant for the American lady butterfly is the pearly stark , or Anaphalis margaritacea . This perennial plant is commonly establish in meadows and clear area , and it has clusters of diminished , whitened bloom . The pearly-white everlasting is a favorite host plant life for the American lady butterfly because its leaves provide a desirable nutrient source for the cat .
Plantain - forget pussy toe , or Antennaria plantaginifolia , is another host plant for the American lady butterfly . This plant is known for its compact , cushion - similar increase wont and its minor , white flowers . The American lady butterfly lay its egg on the leave of the Musa paradisiaca - forget pussy toes , and the caterpillars bank on this industrial plant for nourishment .
last , the American dame butterfly also uses the ironweed , or Vernonia fasciculata , as a horde works . This improbable , aboriginal perennial has purple flowers that draw in a form of pollinators , including butterflies . The American lady butterfly lays its eggs on the ironweed , and the Caterpillar feed on its leaves .
Personal Experience : I have had the pleasure of note the American lady butterfly stroke in my own garden , and I have witnessed firsthand how it interact with its emcee works . One summer , I point out several American dame butterfly stroke fluttering around a piece of perfumed everlasting in my yard . Upon closer review , I discover their lilliputian eggs attached to the undersurface of the flora ’s farewell . Over the next few workweek , I watch as the caterpillar hatch and set about to feed on the fresh everlasting , eventually transforming into beautiful adult butterfly stroke . It was a unfeignedly engrossing experience to witness the life history cycle per second of these butterfly and see how they bank on specific horde plants for their survival of the fittest .
To summarize the host flora for the American lady butterfly admit sweet everlasting , pearly everlasting , plantain - leave pussy toes , and vernonia . These plants leave nutrient and shelter for the butterfly stroke at different point of its life history cycle , from egg - laying to caterpillar ontogenesis . By implant these host plants in your garden , you could draw and support the universe of American lady butterfly stroke , contributing to their conservation and enjoying their beauty .
Caroline Bates
