The number one step to attract butterflies is simply providing the food they like – which is generally plants.

Butterflies need heat to fly and they use the sun to warm themselves. If you see a butterfly just “resting” with its wings open toward the sun, it is almost certainly basking in the warmth. You could place basking stones in your garden for the butterflies.

The adult butterflies are attracted to nectar plants from which they sip nectar. They are also attracted to their host plants which are the specific plants where the females lay their eggs.

Don’t throw out your over-ripe fruit! While most butterflies prefer nectar from flowers, there are some butterflies that prefer nectaring from rotting fruit.

Butterflies need heat to fly and they use the sun to warm themselves.

Butterflies prefer to use trees, shrubs, logs, wood piles and other natural settings for winter and storm protection.