More than 102 butterfly species have been observed in Virginia, according to butterflyidentification.org. Habitat is said to be essential to them.

The Virginia Farm Bureau Federation said creating a thriving butterfly habitat can be as simple as several potted plants or as expansive as acres of flora.

Mary Free, a Virginia Cooperative Extension Master Gardener serving Arlington County and the city of Alexandria, encourages sticking with native plant species, as they attract native butterflies, provide the quality food they need, adapt to local climates and conditions, and promote biodiversity.

Every butterfly is unique, with some species and their caterpillars feeding on a variety of plants while others only need one host plant.

Some host plants may already be growing in gardens, like parsley, carrots, dill and fennel, which attract Eastern Black Swallowtail caterpillars. Some may exist in neighborhoods, like white clover and oak, wild cherry and flowering dogwood trees.

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