Beneficial Insects
How can I encourage dragonflies to come to my backyard?
Dragonflies depend on wetlands and streams for their development from eggs to adults. However, these natural waterways are being lost at a rapid rate due to human development and encroachment. The best way to encourage dragonflies to come to your backyard is by building a pond that meets their needs. By doing this, you’ll also be increasing habitat for these glimmering jewels.
How can I help insects overwinter in my yard?
While some insects migrate to avoid winter weather, others choose to stay here and overwinter either in their egg, larva, pupa, or adult stage depending on the species. It is fairly easy to provide sheltered spots for them by leaving garden clean-up until spring. Cued by the shortening days of winter, they start looking for a sheltered location that can consist of:
Leaf litter or mulches
Tree hollows or under bark — older or dead trees provide great shelter for insects
Fallen logs and/or rock piles
Flower stalks — insects that overwinter as pupae (such as many butterflies) attach the pupae to their food plant. Leave garden clean-up until spring
Dense vegetation — i.e., a corner of the yard that is a bit wild with long grass and/or wildflowers
Soil or wood to burrow in. Avoid tilling the soil in the fall.
Branches leaned against a tree
Some insects, such as cluster flies, that can’t survive the cold may hide out in the nooks and crannies of houses or barns
By providing some of these habitats, you’ll be helping many insects make it through the winter.
Caterpillars, Butterflies, and Moths
I saw a caterpillar/butterfly/moth and would like to know what it is.
These critters are a welcome addition to any garden. Not only are they important pollinators but they are also a pleasure to watch. Ask yourself if the caterpillar you saw had bristles or hairs, if it was smooth or bumpy. For butterflies and moths, have an idea of the size, colour, and any body markings each one may have had.
If you would like help in identifying a particular caterpillar, butterfly, or moth, check out the following references:
http://www.wildaboutgardening.org/en/features/section1/caterpillars/caterpillars_copy.html
Peterson First Guides: Caterpillars by Amy Bartlett Wright
The Butterflies of Canada by Ross A. Layberry, Peter W. Hall, and J. Donald Lafontaine
Are there any butterfly conservancies in Canada?
If one of your pastimes is watching butterflies, then perhaps you would like to visit a public butterfly garden. Check the list below to see if there is one near you!
British Columbia:
Vancouver Island Butterfly World
Crystal Garden Butterfly House (www.bcpcc.com/crystal/index.html)
Alberta:
Saskatchewan:
Wilson’s Greenhouse & Garden Centre
Ontario:
The Niagara Parks Butterfly Conservation—Butterfly House
Newfoundland: