butterflies and native prairie grass
Posted by m perley on October 24, 2005
Q: Our school has a small butterfly garden and a small prairie grass area. What is know about the relationship of butterflies and prairie grass?
A: Good question! The relationship isn't a direct one between butterflies and grasses but between butterflies and the flowering plants that grow among the grasses. So, you'll want to look at some of the wildflowers that grow in the tall grass areas of Iowa and see what butterflies are associated with these. Many of the butterfly species have very close relationships with specific kinds of plants as caterpillars but as adults, they feed on whatever flowers (nectar) is available and are not very picky. Hope this helps to answer your question.
John Wiessinger ( October 25, 2005)