Most people find butterflies beautiful, but gardeners know they can be both good and bad for their plants.
When you have moderate number of them in your garden, they are harmless, and they can also benefit your plants in some way.
Let's find out more.
Pollination
Butterflies are important pollinators.
As they visit flowers in search of nectar, they inadvertently transfer pollen from one flower to another, aiding in the fertilization process.
Biodiversity
By attracting butterflies, you are likely to attract other beneficial insects, birds, and wildlife that contribute to the overall biodiversity of your garden.
Aesthetic appeal
Their presence adds beauty and visual interest to your garden, creating a more enjoyable and tranquil environment.
There are also some negative aspects of butterflies in your garden.
Caterpillar damage
While adult butterflies may not cause direct harm, their caterpillars can sometimes feed on plant leaves, leading to defoliation or damage to certain plants.
Nectar feeding
In their search for nectar, they may visit and potentially damage flowers by extracting the nectar and inadvertently transferring pollen.
