Butterfly’s contributions extend beyond beauty

Though the butterfly is fascinating and often breathtakingly beautiful, pollination could be its most valuable contribution to the ecosystem. The butterfly's role in the pollination process is vital, for it enables flowering plants and trees to bear fruit, berries and vegetables.

About 80 percent of all flowering plants depend on insects for pollen transfer among blossoms, and only bees perform more pollination than butterflies and moths.

Pollination is the natural byproduct of the butterfly's manner of feeding. After the butterfly lands on a flower, it detects the blossom's sweet nectar through taste sensors on its feet. The insect then uncurls its proboscis - a long, hollow tongue - and uses it like a straw to suck up the liquid nourishment. As the butterfly feeds, it inadvertently collects the flower's tiny pollen grains on its legs, feet, mouth parts and wings. When it flies to other flowers, the pollen can become dislodged and potentially launch reproduction.

"For this reason, insects - especially butterflies - are more essential to a healthy ecosystem than human beings," said Barbara Wiederkehr, master gardener and garden guide at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden. "Humbling, but true."

Recognized as a picky eater, the butterfly's nectar preference is determined by several variables. Fragrance lures the butterfly - especially the sweet scents of lilac, lavender, alyssum, heliotrope and other highly fragrant plants. Brightly colored blossoms also draw the butterfly's attention as specialized eyes extend its color vision into the range of ultraviolet light. Butterflies are known to have favorite colors, especially purples, whites and pinks. Other "nectar guides" that lead the insect to its favorite meals are flower patterns that point toward nectar-filled tubes and petals that serve as accessible landing and perching platforms.

Especially enticing is nectar produced by phlox, buddleia, milkweed, lantana and verbena, as well as other plants that similarly attract bees.

A plant's energy-rich nectar is composed of water, proteins, minerals, vitamins, lipids, antioxidants and up to 25 percent sugar. The amount and concentration of nectar varies with the climate, soil type and time of day, with native plants often performing better and producing more nectar. Optimal nectar output - and therefore maximum butterfly activity - occurs during the first half of the day when the weather is warm and sunny, making it also the best time for butterfly watching.

Some butterflies decline all forms of nectar, preferring rotting fruit, tree sap, carrion and dung as sources for their liquid nutrients and minerals.

The butterfly's only interest in roses and other nectar-less plants is shelter from weather and camouflage from predators.

Tom Brinda is assistant executive director for horticulture and education and Lynn Kirk is public relations writer at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden.