Lepidoptera Insects on China Aster Flowers

Asters are both host plants and nectar sources for butterflies.

Butterflies and moths are members of the Lepidoptera order. These insects feed on the abundant nectar found in colorful aster blooms. According to the United States Botanical Garden, butterflies are attracted to asters in particular because of their flat "landing pad," a cluster of many tiny flowers. One species uses asters as a host plant for its caterpillars.

Caterpillar Hosts

China asters provide food for caterpillars of the pearl crescent butterfly. Caterpillars generally prefer one specific type of host plant for foraging. If you let your asters go to seed, they attract the same species each year.

Nectar Sources

The brightly colored aster flowers provide nectar for American painted lady, American snout, black swallowtail, common checkered skipper, common sulphur, orange sulphur, Eastern tailed blue, pearl crescent, question mark, red admiral, sleepy orange and viceroy butterflies.

Habitat and Culture

China asters are annual plants. They grow best in partial sun and well-drained, moist soil. Planting your asters in clumps rather than rows attracts a larger amount of butterflies to your flowers.

References

• United States Botanical Garden: Butterfly Gardening
• The Butterfly Website: Butterfly Gardening
• Reiman Gardens, Iowa State University: Iowa Butterfly and Caterpillar Food Preferences
• Ohio State University Extension: Butterfly Gardens
• University of Florida Extension: China Aster