Butterfly Gardening

Butterfly gardening is a conservation cum educational programme. By establishing 
butterfly gardens, it is possible to gain insight into the life history, behaviour and role of 
butterflies in sustaining natural ecosystems. Butterfly gardens can be set up in any 
location by introducing butterfly host plants and by recreating suitable habitats. 
Generally, locations that are close to natural forests or natural vegetations will attract 
more number of species compared to urban areas. Similarly, larger gardens are likely to 
contain more the number of butterflies both of individuals and species. 
Information pertaining to the life history patterns, host range and habitat associations of 
various butterflies is essential prior to designing the garden. There are two major phases 
in the life cycle of butterflies- a juvenile or caterpillar stage which feeds on foliage of 
specific plants (Table 1) and an adult (butterfly) stage which feeds at flowers on nectar or 

sap of over-ripe fruits, sappy exudations from plants or the fluid content of excreta of 

animals and birds. 

Citrus, Albizia, Cassia, Cinnamom, Aristolochia, Milk weeds, Tylophora, Wattakakka 

and Mussaenda are the common larval host plants that can be introduced for attracting 

various butterflies found in Kerala. Ixora, Lantana, Mussaenda, Marigold, Cuphea, Zinnia 

and Clerodendron are some common nectar plants favoured by many species of 

b

out at KFRI in a 0.5 ha area where about 150 plant species belonging to difutterflies. Common Mime, Common Rose, Crimson Rose, Lime Butterfly, Blue 

Mormon, Southern Birdwing, Glassy Blue Tiger, Blue Tiger, dark Blue Tiger, Emigrants 

and Grass Yellows are some butterflies that can be easily sustained in the butterfly 

garden. As the butterfly population increases, a variety of organisms including Preying 

mantis, spiders, lizards and birds also colonise the area leading to a stabilization of 

habitats and better functioning of ecosystems. 

Butterflies require specific eco-climatic conditions. Temperature ranging from 24-26° C 

and 85-95% relative humidity are suited for most butterflies. Habitats having bright 

sunshine, shade, bushes, streams and ponds, lianas and tall trees are preferred by specific 

groups of butterflies. For maintaining appropriate ecoclimatic conditions, it is essential to 

set up ponds, waterfalls, streams, bushes, openings etc., in the garden area. Information 

boards as well as models depicting butterfly life can be set up in the garden for providing 

information on the life of butterflies. 

Since most of the butterfly host plants are confined to natural patches of vegetation, it is 

important to conserve such types of vegetation which is usually found along roads, rivers 

and in open landscapes. As we conserve these habitats, we are indirectly conserving a 

variety of native plants as well as a number of organisms surviving on these plants. 

Butterfly Garden in KFRI 

KFRI is the pioneering institution to set up and popularize the concept of in situ 

conservation of butterflies through setting up butterfly gardens. In a pilot study carried ferent plant