How to go
What: Cox Arboretum MetroPark Butterfly House
Where: 6733 Springboro Pike
When: Saturday, June 26 through Sept. 6
Hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday; Noon to 4 p.m. Sunday
Cost: Free
More info: (937) 434-9005 or www.metro parks.org/Parks/CoxArboretum/ButterflyHouse.aspx
DAYTON — As quick as butterflies come, the quicker they seem to go.
As much as you want to get up close and personal, a butterfly’s nature is to spread it’s wings and fly. But for those longing to gaze on the full spectrum of Ohio’s native butterfly species, there’s an answer: Cox Arboretum MetroPark Butterfly House, which opens to visitors Saturday, June 26.
The annual exhibit displays moths and butterflies indigenous to Ohio’s southwest regions in various stages of metamorphosis. The house is staffed with volunteers ready to answer any questions.
For those who would prefer to visit butterflies in their backyards, there are many things that can be done to persuade these delicate creatures to stick around.
“First and foremost. If you want butterflies in your garden, you cannot use pesticides and herbicides. Butterflies are very sensitive to chemicals, even ones labeled as organic,” says Katrina Arnold, education supervisor at Cox Arboretum MetroPark.
Arnold said that creating a comfortable environment for butterflies can be accomplished in a number of ways:
Plantings to attract butterflies. Some species, like the monarch, can only feed off of the oozing sap and leaves from milkweed while in their early stages of life. The young feed diligently on their host plant so be certain you have plenty to go around. Eggs can typically be found underneath the leaves.
A butterfly is a caterpillar first. Vegetables like carrots and cabbage and herbs, like parsley or chives, are a good food source for caterpillars looking to spread their wings in your neck of the woods. Plants such as milkweed, aspen, clover, snapdragon and sunflower also are caterpillar friendly.
Butterflies prefer flowers with easy access to sweet, sugary nectar. They are especially attracted to bright, colorful plants, so it's best to have contrast and variety. Butterfly weed, clovers, daylilies, asters and cosmos are just a few butterfly favorites. Beard tongue is good for both caterpillars and butterflies.
Avoid planting on hilltops or other windy areas. A tree or bush should ideally provide an escape from the wind that irritates butterflies when searching for nectar.
It's a good idea to have some kind of water source around to give butterflies the minerals and nutrients they cannot receive from nectar.
When the sun goes down, you don't have to lose your winged companions. Many spectacular night moths call Ohio home. They can be attracted to plants including jasmine and other flowers with strong scents and light colors. Sugaring, a term for spreading syrup or sugar along bark or plants, or hanging wine ropes (cheap red wine with sugar added) also can be a good way to attract butterflies and moths.
Although eggs and caterpillars can be purchased online, Arnold says they tend to be unstable and difficult to push through the life cycle process. At the Cox Arboretum Butterfly House, all insects are captured from the surrounding area and released once the season is over.
“Butterflies and other pollinators are in peril in Dayton and the rest of the world,” Arnold said. “Another advantage to using natives (butterflies) is we can tell the whole story ... (it) helps connect visitors with every stage in the butterfly life cycle.”
Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2383 or mbush@DaytonDailyNews.com.
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