Welcome to the world a new Monarch butterfly. Captured from CV milkweed as a caterpillar, she emerged from her pupa (in a habitat container) in the play area this morning. I left the flap open, but she probably wont leave for another day or so; if you pass the play area, look for the habitat near the pole where the helmet hangs
Over the past two years, CVEarthlab has acquired many butterfly host and nectar plants, in addition to our butterfly bushes. These include:
An Eastern Tiger Swallowtail checks out CVEarthlab.
Red Admiral
Jim Stasz @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
The common dittany, (Cunila origanoides L.), is a herbaceous perennial and a member of the mint family. The name means “like oregano” and from July to September/October, the plant shows purplish flowers. In late autumn or early winter, it can create “frost flowers” when the water pushes out of the roots and freezes in the form of tiny ice sculptures. In warmer weather, the flowers attract butterflies, skippers, bees and other insects.
Source list: USDA, NRCS. 2014. The PLANTS Database (http://plants.usda.gov, 16 June 2014). National Plant Data Team, Greensboro, NC 27401-4901 USA; http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=j950; Plants for a Future database (http://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Cunila+origanoides); The Green Farmacy Garden (http://thegreenfarmacygarden.com/page/2/) MDC Online (http://mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/field-guide/dittany )
Solidago, common name goldenrod, is a perennial plant that blooms with yellow flowers August through October. It can crossbreed with other plants, and today there are at least 130 species in the United States. Several butterflies eat goldenrod nectar, including Orange Sulphur, Gray Hairstreak, American Lady and Monarch.
Source list: http://plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=SOLID; http://butterflyprojectnyc.org/gardening/;
http://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/herb/goldenrod
Dill is a host plant for black swallowtail butterflies. Watch for the caterpillars!
Dill is an annual, self-seeding plant. Along with carrots, parsley and fennel, Dill acts as a host plant for Black Swallowtail butterflies.
Source list: Monarch Watch; Bronx Green-Up (NYBG); USDA
