Let's see how butterflies contribute to the environment
Pollination
Butterflies are great pollinators and as they flutter about drinking nectar from flower to flower, they are, in the process, pollinating. As a result we have fruits, vegetables and flowers.
Indicates a healthy environment
The presence of butterflies in your garden is a sign of a healthy environment and ecosystem
Source of food
As beautiful as they are butterflies are, unfortunately, they are also a source of food for other animals in the food chain such as birds, lizards, spiders etc and thus assist in maintaining the food chain
One inspiring and invigorating and of course, relaxing way that we, too, can contribute like these butterflies is by growing a butterfly-friendly garden. HOW?
To develop a butterfly garden, we must first know what naturally attracts butterflies to a garden. So, we better not get carried away spraying and sprinkling chemicals and pesticides in the garden if we want these beautiful insects to make our garden their home. Allow butterflies to make your garden their habitat. Now, when you do that, you must also be mindful of the many stages of a butterfly's life cycle, and it is important to note that in their caterpillar days they are going to chew away on your plants, sometimes even your favourite plants. This might sadden you but don't be let down. This is a stage and they would seem like pests but it will pass and they will make up for it all once you let them have their wings. They will pollinate and paint your garden with colours of their own and of the plants, fruits and flowers. So, let them be.
With the worldwide web at our fingertips, there are numerous sources guiding us on how to create a butterfly garden tailored for the butterfly species in our area, and here are a few, I found helpful:
https://www.environment.sa.gov.au/goodliving/posts/2018/12/benefits-of-butterflies
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/beneficial/why-butterflies-matter.htm
https://www.ugaoo.com/knowledge-center/how-to-create-butterfly-garden/