Decorative feeders with glass bowls can be found in models with chains or stakes, while most butterfly feeders with ports are attached to a metal rod with a hook on the top for hanging. Some kits even come with live caterpillars or the option to get them once the kids have set up their butterfly habitat.Įach butterfly feeder is made up of several parts that are crafted to hold the units and for feeding butterflies once they arrive.Ĭhain, hook, and stake: Most butterfly feeders are secured by hanging or via a stake in the ground. The kits include mesh habitats and food to care for caterpillars and butterflies. They come with wide, flat glass bowls to hold fruit and nectar and are situated on metal hardware in the form of hanging chains or metal stakes.īutterfly feeding kits: This type of butterfly feeder isn’t made to be put in your yard to attract the insects but instead to provide an educational experience for children. Also similar to hummingbird feeders, these units have built-in hooks for hanging.ĭecorative feeders: Although these feeders can be a bit pricier than plastic models with ports, they’re also the most eye-catching.

Many models also have small dishes for pieces of fruit for the winged insects to feed on.

They’re usually made of plastic and feature designs that are very similar to hummingbird feeders, with nectar compartments and feeding ports. Hanging feeders with ports: These are the most popular and affordable butterfly feeders. Types of butterfly feedersĪs you shop for a butterfly feeder, you’ll find several styles that suit different décor, gardens, and needs. Remember that butterflies are most attracted to fruit that is overly ripe or even rotten. Fortunately, many butterflies aren’t particularly finicky when it comes to the types of fruit they prefer, but melons, bananas, strawberries, apples, oranges, and peaches are some of their favorites. Many butterfly feeders also have ample space or a special compartment for fruit. You can get nectar in premixed liquid or powder form or make your own at home with sugar and water. What goes in a butterfly feeder?Īll butterfly feeders are designed to hold nectar because this sweet substance does a good job of attracting many butterfly varieties. Even if you don’t grow flowers, you can attract these lovely insects to your little piece of the world. Butterfly feeders are like little feeding stations where butterflies can gather and graze. But many people don’t have these items lying around their property, and even if they do have flower gardens, not all butterflies are attracted to every type of bloom.

In addition to diets that include organic materials, tree sap, and extremely ripe or rotting fruit, most butterflies drink nectar from flowers. Furthermore, some species of butterflies eat pests such as aphids that can be harmful to garden plants. Butterflies are also pollinators, which is vital to plant reproduction. However, their aesthetic appeal isn’t the only reason to love having them visit your yard. Who doesn’t love to look at butterflies? The beauty of these colorful flying insects is undoubtedly the most common reason people love to attract them to their property. Our test process Key considerations Why use a butterfly feeder?

Butterfly feeder sponge