Butterflies
Their purpose, how to attract them with Photo Gallery
There are 59 species of Butterflies in the UK. Like Moths, who mainly fly at night, they are a member of the Lepidoptera family.
Obviously we doubt that any Garden would have all 59 species but on average most gardens would be occupied by a dozen or so. All the photo's below were taken in my Kentish Garden, the only one harder to find being the Speckled Wood.
In general Butterflies are of great use to the Gardener and will work alongside Bees and Wasps in their pollination duties. The only 'pest' may be the Whites, aptly known as 'Cabbage Whites' who will damage leaf Vegetables.
Flowers, bushes and Nettles are the main magnet for Butterflies, especially Buddleia, Marigolds, Blackberry and Lavender. If you don't mind the odd Weed, it's hard to find a Thistle plant unoccupied, especially on a warm sunny Summer's day.
If you have any Fruit Trees and wind falls have damaged them, leave them on the ground, most species, especially Red Admiral, will enjoy this late Summer feed.
BUTTERFLY PHOTO GALLERY
Click on individual picture, then close or arrow through all..
All photos: © Down the Lane
For further information go to The British Butterfly Conservation Web Site
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