Make-Your-Own Butterfly Feeder

Despite being not as effective as the bees in pollination, butterflies perhaps can be the ambassadors of the pollinators. They already have a great reputation with humans due to their ascetic beauty, and conservation efforts which help butterflies may help other pollinators as well. These methods would include reduction in pesticide use and planting native host plants. Of those 800 species of North American butterflies, 17% are considered either vulnerable, imperiled, or critically imperiled.*

For more ideas on butterfly feeders and what we can do to help: http://www.naturallivingideas.com/14-diy-butterfly-feeders/

CORRECTION: According to the Mader et al. (2011) book, milkweed is the sole host plant for the Monarch butterfly. This is for the caterpillars. The Monarchs themselves will drink the nectar of many plants. Sorry for the confusion, but good learning experience!

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*Mader, E., Shepherd, M., Vaughan, M., Hoffman Black, S., & LeBuhn, G. (2011). Chapter 3, Meet the pollinators. In Attracting native pollinators: Protecting North America’s bees and butterflies: the Xerces Society guide (pp. 21-72). Storey Pub., North Adams, MA.