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About the Resource:
Butterflies and moths are both members of the order Lepidoptera, and while they are often admired for their beauty, some species can be problematic for gardeners, especially when it comes to their larvae (caterpillars).
Butterflies
- Positive Impact
- Pollinators: Butterflies are important pollinators. They help fertilize plants by transferring pollen as they feed on nectar from flowers.
- Attracting Butterflies: Planting nectar-rich flowers like milkweed, lavender, and coneflowers can attract butterflies to your garden. Additionally, providing a variety of host plants, like milkweed for monarchs, allows them to lay eggs and support their lifecycle.
- Potential Issues
- Caterpillar Damage: While butterfly caterpillars are an essential part of their lifecycle, some species’ larvae can feed heavily on garden plants. For example, the cabbage white butterfly’s larvae (cabbage worms) can damage vegetables like cabbage, kale, and broccoli.
Moths
- Positive Impact
- Night Pollinators: Moths are often active at night and play a role in pollinating nocturnal flowers.
- Attracting Moths: Night-blooming flowers like evening primrose or moonflower can attract moths.
- Potential Issues
- Caterpillar Pests: Some moth species have caterpillars that can be harmful to crops. The most notorious is the corn earworm, tomato hornworm, and the codling moth, which targets apple trees.
- Leaf Miners: Some moth larvae burrow into leaves, causing visible trails and damaging the plant tissue.
Management of Harmful Species
- Cultural Controls
- Handpicking: For large caterpillars like tomato hornworms, manual removal can be effective.
- Netting: Use fine mesh netting over plants to prevent butterflies and moths from laying eggs on them.
- Biological Controls
- Natural Predators: Birds, spiders, and certain wasps are natural predators of caterpillars. Planting bird-attracting plants or installing birdhouses can help.
- Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt): This is a natural bacteria that targets caterpillars but is safe for humans, pets, and beneficial insects. It can be sprayed on plants to control caterpillar populations.
- Chemical Controls
- Insecticidal Soap or Neem Oil: These can help control young caterpillars, but it’s important to use them carefully to avoid harming beneficial insects.
Encouraging Beneficial Butterflies and Moths
- Diverse Plantings: Include a variety of flowering plants to support different species throughout their lifecycle.
- Avoid Pesticides: Minimize the use of broad-spectrum pesticides, as they can harm both harmful and beneficial species.
- Water Sources: Provide shallow water sources, like a dish with wet sand, to attract butterflies.