Whether in scrub forest, freshwater marsh, or your own backyard, this book will inspire you to go out and make friends with a caterpillar near you."--BOOK JACKET.

A reference for Florida gardeners who wish to attract butterflies to their gardens. It provides information on how to identify butterflies, and an understanding of their biology, behaviour, life cycle, and habitats. It also covers the adult, larval and pupal stages of more than 60 butterflies.

Bring life to your garden and experience the magic of metamorphosis! This book tells you how. It describes 23 species of butterflies and shows them in color photos - adults, caterpillars and pupae, as well as dozens and dozens of larval and nectar food plants. Complete growing information is included for each plant: family, plant type, geographic region, mature size, flowering time, color, light, water and soil requirements, propogation methods and salt tolerance.

Save the monarch butterflies! Johnny Butterflyseed and his fairy friend, Raven Silverwing, embark on a mission to save the rapidly disappearing butterflies. They enlist the help of Queen Venus Goldwing and her kingdom of monarchs to educate and inspire kids to become butterfly farmers. At first, Johnny faces his own internal struggle with self-doubt and fear in his ability to make a difference, but then soon develops a mindset that allows him to not only get started, but also make progress one day at a time. Through challenge after challenge, Johnny learns that he is not alone in his mission and that there are many people who want to help. Together, Johnny, Raven, and Queen Venus educate thousands of children on becoming butterfly farmers. “The monarch butterfly is in peril and spiraling downward. Our children will determine whether the monarch makes a comeback or becomes one of North America’s rarest butterflies. It is vitally important that children are aware of the problems that monarchs face and how we can all help—even children. This delightful book does exactly that and should be on the bookshelf of every child! Tarisa Parrish has seamlessly woven fact with fiction to create a story of importance, charisma, and hope for monarch butterflies in the future.” —Dr. David G. James, Associate Professor of Entomology, Department of Entomology, Washington State University

A remarkable look at the rarest butterflies, how global changes threaten their existence, and how we can bring them back from near-extinction Most of us have heard of such popular butterflies as the Monarch or Painted Lady. But what about the Fender’s Blue? Or the St. Francis’ Satyr? Because of their extreme rarity, these butterflies are not well-known, yet they are remarkable species with important lessons to teach us. The Last Butterflies spotlights the rarest of these creatures—some numbering no more than what can be held in one hand. Drawing from his own first-hand experiences, Nick Haddad explores the challenges of tracking these vanishing butterflies, why they are disappearing, and why they are worth saving. He also provides startling insights into the effects of human activity and environmental change on the planet’s biodiversity. Weaving a vivid and personal narrative with ideas from ecology and conservation, Haddad illustrates the race against time to reverse the decline of six butterfly species. Many scientists mistakenly assume we fully understand butterflies’ natural histories. Yet, as with the Large Blue in England, we too often know too little and the conservation consequences are dire. Haddad argues that a hands-off approach is not effective and that in many instances, like for the Fender’s Blue and Bay Checkerspot, active and aggressive management is necessary. With deliberate conservation, rare butterflies can coexist with people, inhabit urban fringes, and, in the case of the St. Francis’ Satyr, even reside on bomb ranges and military land. Haddad shows that through the efforts to protect and restore butterflies, we might learn how to successfully confront conservation issues for all animals and plants. A moving account of extinction, recovery, and hope, The Last Butterflies demonstrates the great value of these beautiful insects to science, conservation, and people.

“No matter the size or shape of your growing area, this will guide you through creating a butterfly-friendly space.” —Mother Earth News Welcome the world’s most exquisite visitors to your garden! Gardening for Butterflies, by the experts at the Xerces Society, introduces you to a variety of butterflies who need our help, and shows you how to design a habitat where they will thrive. This optimistic call to arms is packed with everything you need to create a beautiful, pollinator-friendly garden. You will learn why butterflies matter, why they are in danger, and what simple steps we can take to make a difference. You'll also learn how to choose the right plants and how to create a garden that flutters and flourishes with life.

Butterflies of Southeast Florida: This waterproof guide beautifully illustrates 84 species of butterfliesand all of their caterpillarsfound in southeastern Florida. The pocket-sized guide features color photos in a side-by-side format that makes it ideal for field use. Some of themost spectacularbutterflies in the world such as the Atala and Silver-banded Hairstreakare shown. Common and scientific names, adult size, season when they can be found, and their caterpillar host plants are listed. Tips on finding butterflies and caterpillars are given and the life cycle of the Gulf Fritillary is illustrated. Nature enthusiasts of all ages will enjoy using this guide.

Authors Kendall Southworth and Sean Patton, specialists in creating aquatic ecosystems for pollinators and wildlife, share their knowledge and skills in this guidebook for creating aquatic butterfly gardens in Florida. Over 70 butterfly species that call Florida home are closely associated with wetlands. Found on shorelines, along backyard ponds and tidal marshes, these species rely on over 100 popular aquatic host plants—the trees, shrubs, grasses, wildflowers and vines—found in Florida’s aquatic ecosystems. While Florida has lost more than 9 million acres of wetlands, more than any other state, Florida has created 70,000 stormwater systems that are easily transformed into healthy, resilient hotspots for pollinators and native wildlife. Southworth and Patton cover these underrepresented and undervalued aquatic habitats and show how they can be used to create the critically important ecosystems necessary for the butterfly species of Florida. TOC for Building an Aquatic Butterfly GardenMaking a plan, preparing the area, providing host plants, planting in clusters, planting for continuous bloom, buying local and organic, and maintaining the garden.