Wings of Desire

Malachite Butterfly

I love butterflies.  I don't know anyone who doesn't.  One of the things I enjoy about them are the designs and color on their wings.

Once you've worked with butterflies after awhile, you'll find that most fall into general categories.  This is a Malachite butterfly.  Adults feed on flower nectar, rotting fruit, dead animals, and bat dung. Yum!

Emperor Swallowtail

Here in Tucson, we are home to a Swallowtail.....just not this one.  This one hails from Southern and Eastern Africa.

But you'll find them here at the Tucson Botanical Gardens on display from now until April 30th.

Think about starting your own butterfly garden.  In Tucson, we have a lot of butterflies that visit our gardens.  There's the Giant Swallowtail, Pipevine Swallowtail, Cloudless Sulphur, Grey Hairstreak, Marine Blue, American Snout, Gulf Fritillary, Painted Lady, Queen, Sara's Orangetip and Fiery Skipper. 

It's easy.  Find the plants and the flowers and you'll discover a whole new world.  It's just like birding in your own backyard.  But instead of the birdseed, bring in plants that butterflies will love.  As it warms up, so will your garden as you add an extra "dimension" to your place.  Bird sounds, birds, fluttering butterflies, and lush green plants for lizards and crickets to chirp.....well you'll have an oasis for desert wildlife in no time!