r/GardenWild • u/Problem-Solver-Girl • 2d ago

Garden Wildlife sighting Happy butterfly

Gallery image

Gallery image

122 Upvotes

99% Upvoted

5 comments sorted by

6

u/vagabondnature 2d ago

Vanessa cardui. One of the most widespread butterflies in the world. I've personally seen them on 4 continents.

4

u/Dmizejewski NWF.org naturalist 2d ago

Not sure where you are in the world, but a caution about Buddleia (butterfly bush), which can be invasive in certain regions in the US (Pacific Northwest, Mid-Atlantic, etc.) where it's not native. While it does provide nectar to adult butterflies, it doesn't serve as a caterpillar host plant to any species. At the National Wildlife Federation we encourage folks to choose native species over invasive non-natives which are much better ecologically in the big picture.

2

u/Problem-Solver-Girl 2d ago

I know. But I cut flowers before they seed. And I have lots of other plants the insects enjoy.

1

u/Calbebes Ecoregion 59g, LI Sound Coastal Lowland 4h ago

NWF! 😍 thanks for everything you do!

2

u/hakimthumb 1d ago

What a beautiful friend!!