Plants That Encourage Caterpillars

Caterpillar Lifecycle

• Caterpillars are the larval stage of a butterfly or moth. When butterflies and moths lay eggs, the eggs hatch as caterpillars eat and grow until they are ready to pupate. Butterfly caterpillars form a chrysalis that usually hangs from a branch of a plant, shrub or tree. Moths spin a cocoon at the base of a plant, in a tree or any other convenient place. While in these protective shells, the caterpillars transform into adults. A big part of attracting caterpillars is attracting egg-laying adults. Planting food sources for adult moths and butterflies ensures you have caterpillars, too.

Plants for Attracting Butterflies and Moths

• Most moths and butterflies eat flower nectar. Flower shape, color and scent are the three most important factors attracting butterflies and moths. They need to land to feed, so wide petals are more attractive than thin ones. Plants in the aster family, such as dahlias, zinnias and chrysanthemums, make good landing platforms. Trumpet-shaped blooms, such as those of the daylilies and trumpet vines, are also good food sources. Butterflies and moths gravitate toward the colors pink, red, orange, purple, white and yellow. Flowers with strong, sweet scents, including heliotrope, butterfly bush and viburnum, are also good choices for attracting butterflies and moths.

Host Plants for Caterpillars

• Many caterpillars will only feed on one type of food. Monarch caterpillars only feed on milkweed. The milkweed's toxin then makes the caterpillars and adults toxic so birds won't eat them. Hollyhocks are the preferred food source of the painted lady and the common checkered skipper. Parsley is a host plant for the swallowtail family of butterflies. The hummingbird moth often lays eggs on the honeysuckle vine. Which flowers you plant depend on where you live and on the butterflies in your area. Check field guides or your local university's entomology department to determine which moths and butterflies are common to your area.

Trees and Shrubs

• Caterpillars don't just feed on plants, they feed on shrubs and trees too. A complete butterfly and moth garden should contain trees and shrubs for shade, shelter and food. The dogwood tree is a host for the spring azure butterfly. The mottled duskywing hosts on wild lilac. The spicebush hosts the spicebush swallowtail. Ash trees are the preferred food source for the tiger swallowtail. The largest moth in the United States, the cecropia moth lays its eggs in wild cherry trees.