browsing: Monarch larval hosts

Host plants feed caterpillars. Adults lay eggs on these plants so the newly hatched caterpillars can begin eating right away. As they grow, caterpillars molt and progress to the next instar—1st instar, 2nd instar, 3rd instar, and so forth. Watch for all stages of caterpillar instars and signs of insect feeding on foliage. Holes and jagged-edged leaves are a sign of success in the butterfly garden.

Planting a nectar garden provides food in the form of flowers for adult butterflies, bees, and many other pollinators. Butterfly gardens should always include host and nectar plants to feed lepidopteran species in all life stages.

Vinland Valley Nursery is a registered Monarch Waystation #1085 since February 4, 2007. You can register your garden here!

Local butterfly expert Lenora Larson has created these informational handouts. You can download them here!

• Butterflies: Flying Flowers in your Garden!
• A Vital Connection: Native Plants and Butterflies
• Long Lips Farm Caterpillar Foodplants
• Butterfly Bartending: Nectar Flowers
• Long Lips Farm: Selected Butterfly Nectar Flowers
• Bee Friendly: Plants for Bees and Other Pollinators

CLICK HERE for photos and information about Monarchs

Visit our Butterfly Gardening page to find
host plant lists for additional butterfly and moth species!