Butterfly Conservation
We love butterflies because they are beautiful, intricately patterned, delicate creatures. Just like each of us, every butterfly is uniquely beautiful. They represent new beginnings, giving us hope for what the future has to bring. From across the globe butterflies are viewed as symbols of rebirth, representing change, hope, endurance and life! There’s something about butterflies that enlivens our hearts and souls. The phenomenon of metamorphosis is a metaphor for human life as we transform as a species from our present caterpillar stage of life to become enlightened beings. At Detroit Abloom, we are captivated by all butterflies, and their cousins—moths— as well.
After raising dozens of monarch butterflies each year at home, Tom and I realized that it would be best to raise more of them in an outdoor enclosure. So, Tom built the Butterfly Nursery enclosure in 2019. We raised sevral hundred monarches two years in a row with the help of a volunteer until the 2021 season. Since then, we have raised a few butterflies each year but would like to find someone to pick up where we stopped, and begin to raise the fourth generation of monarches in our area, the ones that migrate to Mexico.
We are very careful about ensuring that our butterfly-raising methods eliminate parasites and other diseases that attack Monarch caterpillars. The Xerces Society and some other experts do not recommend raising monarchs, because of this factor. They state: “These concerns include the risk that rearing monarchs in captivity can promote an increase in parasites, which can then be spread to wild monarchs when they are released.” But we believe the educational benefits and the fact that we are aiding the butterfly population, warrant raising butterflys.
We would love to have someone raise monarches and other species of butterflies in this enclosure, but is a service that requires dail attention. Meantime, Detroit Abloom is building up its inventory of host plants to help a wider range of butterfly and moth species.
Did You Know?
Butterflies depend on their Host Plants! When a butterfly lays an egg that becomes a caterpillar, it choses specific plants. In many cases, these are plants that the butterfly has evolved with over millions of years. The most iconic example are the Monarch Butterflies who have specific host plants only found in the Milkweed family.
So, if you plan to attract butterflies to your garden, find out what kinds of host plants you will need to plant in your garden to attrach specific butterfly species. Some butterfly species are generalists, who favor several types of plants, while others need specific plant-types.
Check out our list of Butterflies and their Host Plants
Check out our list of DA Native Plants and the Butterflies they host!
Did you Know that -
A Hummingbird Moth on a Blue Lobelia. This type of moth seeks nectar during the day. Find them at Detroit Abloom on many different nectar plants that butterflies frequent.
Did you know that butterflies evolved from moths?
And did you know that butterflies are native to the North America?
According to recent scientific studies, butterflies are believed to have originated in North America, specifically in the western region, around 100 million years ago. They are believed to have evolved from moths that began feeding on nectar from daytime flowers; considered the defining moment that led to the butterfly lineage. Read More HERE
Skipper Butterflies
Come to the gardens this summer, take a stroll amongst the cut flowers and Native/Pollinator Plants, and see what butterflies you can identify. Our handy chart (located on the green fence at Kids Abloom) will be available to carry with you and help you with identification!
Or access with this link - Butterflies You Can See at Detroit Abloom!
We are deeply concerned about the plight of butterflies because of chemicals, invasive predators, and habitat loss, so please consider working with us to help increase their populations. We have added host plants for a wider range of native butterflies to our Native Pollinator Webstore! Here is a list of some of the Butterfly Host Plants we are offerring this season!
