Butterflies are essential to the world's food supply chain. So if you ask me, gardens in the Philippines and around the world should be encouraged to entice these beautiful creatures.
"An abundance of butterflies is often an indication that an ecosystem is thriving. This is due to the fact that butterflies are an important component of a food chain, as predators and prey. Adult butterflies and caterpillars are an important source of food for other animals such as bats and birds. Along with nectar, butterflies eat a variety of plants. Some species also provide a natural of form of pest control. For example, the harvester butterfly eats aphids while it is in its caterpillar form."
https://sciencing.com/butterflies-important-8749269.html
The picture above shows a butterfly feasting on a zinnia flower. Butterflies like brightly colored flowers with pollen.
But before becoming butterflies, they begin as caterpillars. These caterpillars eat certain plants during the larval period.
If you wish to attract more butterflies, you need some of these plants that can host the caterpillars.
In the Philippines, I have seen the pandakaki plant (see picture below) attract caterpillars that practically eat all the leaves. Initially, it may look like they are pests attacking the plant but they go away eventually and become butterflies.
It is important not to spray pesticides on these plants as they will kill the caterpillars.
"Aside from the larval host plants, flowers also attract all kinds of adult butterflies. I have planted Lantana camara, single-petaled Hibiscus, Passion vine, Chinese parasol and Heliconias in my garden."
https://ebonph.wordpress.com/2012/06/30/attracting-birds-and-butterflies-to-the-garden/
Some gardens also provide a shallow muddy water pool for the butterflies.
"Butterflies often congregate on wet sand and mud to partake in "puddling," drinking water and extracting minerals from damp puddles. Place coarse sand in a shallow pan and then insert the pan in the soil of your habitat. Make sure to keep the sand moist."
Attract butterflies to your garden and they will bring you absolute happiness.
