Gary Helm
200 Species
Florida is home seasonably or year-round to almost 200 species of butterflies and is one of the premier destinations for naturalists in search of photography opportunities throughout most of the year. Our warm climate and extended growing season makes butterfly viewing an excellent choice for outdoor recreation in our numerous natural areas.
While a wide variety of Florida habitats supports butterflies, the loss or degradation of some habitats has contributed to major declines of some butterfly species. Threats to butterfly habitats also include use of pesticides, hurricanes, and introduction of invasive species. The Miami blue, for example, once fluttered up the west coast as far as Tampa and the east coast to Daytona Beach, but now is detected only on small islands in the Key West National Wildlife Refuge. People can help by creating butterfly gardens in their backyards or community common areas and using native plants that feed the caterpillars and provide nectar for adults.
Florida has the most Butterflies of any state East of the Mississippi.
Butterflies and Bees are our two most important pollinators.
These two insects are critical components of our fragile Ecosystems, assuring us that beautiful things will continue to grow.
Like Canaries, Butterflies and Bees are also a reflection of the well being or health of our Planet, if it is in trouble, so are they.
I found this Palamedes Swallowtail on a Thistles at Three Lakes Wildlife Management Area - Prairie Lakes Unit in Osceola County, Florida.
200 Species
Florida is home seasonably or year-round to almost 200 species of butterflies and is one of the premier destinations for naturalists in search of photography opportunities throughout most of the year. Our warm climate and extended growing season makes butterfly viewing an excellent choice for outdoor recreation in our numerous natural areas.
While a wide variety of Florida habitats supports butterflies, the loss or degradation of some habitats has contributed to major declines of some butterfly species. Threats to butterfly habitats also include use of pesticides, hurricanes, and introduction of invasive species. The Miami blue, for example, once fluttered up the west coast as far as Tampa and the east coast to Daytona Beach, but now is detected only on small islands in the Key West National Wildlife Refuge. People can help by creating butterfly gardens in their backyards or community common areas and using native plants that feed the caterpillars and provide nectar for adults.
Florida has the most Butterflies of any state East of the Mississippi.
Butterflies and Bees are our two most important pollinators.
These two insects are critical components of our fragile Ecosystems, assuring us that beautiful things will continue to grow.
Like Canaries, Butterflies and Bees are also a reflection of the well being or health of our Planet, if it is in trouble, so are they.
I found this Palamedes Swallowtail on a Thistles at Three Lakes Wildlife Management Area - Prairie Lakes Unit in Osceola County, Florida.