Episode 16: Desert Pollinators Part 2: Fluttering Butterflies

Summary: In part two of their desert pollinator series, Cheryl and Kiersten talk about butterflies. Join them as they discuss the life cycle of the butterfly, look at a few local residents, and tell you what plants will bring them to you.

Show Notes:

• Note on Chickadee caterpillar usage. The 6,000 to 9,000 count of caterpillars is per clutch, which includes 4 to 5 chicks, not per chick.

*The Butterfly Bush (Summer Lilac or Orange Eye) Buddleja davidii is native to China and is the plant you want to avoid when choosing plants to attract butterflies. It is not native and is invasive.

Central Arizona Butterfly Association: www.cazba.org

These books were referenced (and are great reads):  Nature’s Best Hope by Douglas W. Tallamy

Caterpillars in the Field and Garden by Thomas J. Allen, Jim P. Brock, Jeffery Glassberg

Butterflies of the Southwest by Jim P. Brock

70 Common Butterflies of the Southwest by Western National Parks Association

The Life Cycles of Butterflies by Judy Burris and Wayne Richards

Monarch vs. Queen Identification: www.wildflower.org/magazine/fauna/monarch-vs-queen

Butterfly and Caterpillar pictures:www.butterfliesandmoths.org

Native Plant Nurseries: www.plantnative.org

Wild Birds Unlimited, Mesa https://mesa.wbu.com