Butterfly & Moth Spotlight
Meet the butterflies and moths we observe at Pollinator Playhouse. Each species depends on specific host plants to complete its life cycle -learn which plants to grow to welcome them into your own garden.
Black Swallowtail
Carrot family (Apiaceae)
Host Plants
Females lay single eggs on the leaves and flowers of host plants. Caterpillars are bright green with black stripes and yellow dots.
Painted Lady
Thistles & Mallows
Host Plants
One of the most widespread butterflies in the world. Known for impressive long-distance migrations spanning multiple generations.
Monarch
Milkweed (Asclepiadaceae)
Host Plants
Monarchs can only lay eggs on milkweed. The plant's toxins make caterpillars and adults taste bad to predators -a built-in defense.
Giant Swallowtail
Citrus (Rutaceae)
Host Plants
The largest butterfly in North America. Its caterpillar mimics bird droppings to avoid predators -a clever disguise!
Zebra Longwing
Passifloraceae
Host Plants
Florida's state butterfly! Unique among butterflies for eating pollen, which gives them a longer lifespan of several months.
Tobacco Hornworm
Nightshades (Solanaceae)
Host Plants
The caterpillar of the Carolina Sphinx moth. Despite the name, it's a fascinating garden visitor that grows into a large hovering moth.
Want to grow host plants?
Our plant care guide covers watering, sunlight, and growing tips for every host plant family featured above.