Caterpillars On Lantanas

Lantana Scrub-Hairstreak

• The lantana scrub-hairstreak (Strymon bazochii) is a small butterfly with a wingspan of between 7/8 and 1 inch. The undersides of both fore and hindwings are brown mottled with gray and black. The upper side of the hindwing is a delicate sky blue. Its caterpillars are small, sluglike and green.

Habits

• Native primarily to parts of South and Central America, the lantana scrub-hairstreak is only native to southern Texas in the United States. In 1902, they were introduced into Hawaii to help control the spread of lantana, but, according to Butterflies and Moths of North America, but were unsuccessful. Adult females lay a single egg per host plant. The larvae hatch and feed on both foliage and flowers. In addition to laying their eggs on lantana, adults use it as a nectar plant.

Growing Lantana

• Lantana is a drought-tolerant, hardy plant that blooms all summer with little care. Watering newly planted lantana frequently for the first few weeks ensures establishing a good root system. After the root system is established, a thorough watering once a week produces the maximum amount of blooms. Lightly prune spent flower heads and cut the plant back by a third for growth containment. A light fertilizer application in spring and after heavy pruning keeps lantana in optimal health. This profuse bloomer is either perennial or annual, depending on climate.

Butterfly Gardens

• According to the University of Georgia, lantana is one of the three most recommended plants for butterfly gardening. The two other commonly recommended plants are pentas and butterfly bush, also called buddleia. A successful butterfly garden needs a number of nectar plants for feeding adults and host plants for raising caterpillars. Contact the local county extension office to see what butterflies are native to your area. The lantana scrub-hairstreak prefers open areas, so a garden free of too many trees would be ideal for them. Butterflies often drink from mud puddles, so consider creating one or leaving a bowl of wet sand. Limit or eliminate pesticide use, as it kills butterflies.