While most people like butterflies and want to see them in their gardens, it's not always the case.
Some butterflies can damage your plants, so you need to protect your garden from them.
Here are some of the reasons, why.
Larval feeding
Butterflies lay eggs on host plants, and the resulting caterpillars feed voraciously on foliage.
In some cases, their feeding can be extensive, leading to significant damage or even the complete defoliation of plants.
This can weaken the plants, affect their growth, and reduce their overall health.
Vulnerable plant stages
Young or newly established plants may be more susceptible to damage from caterpillar feeding.
Their delicate foliage may not be able to withstand heavy caterpillar feeding, potentially hindering their growth or even causing them to die off.
Protecting these vulnerable plants can help ensure their survival and proper development.
Specific plant preferences
Certain butterfly species have strong preferences for specific plant species or families.
If you have valuable or rare plants that are particularly attractive to butterflies, their presence may result in disproportionate damage or loss of these plants.
Protecting them can help preserve their beauty and rarity in your garden.
