The Butterfly Dunes

A photographic journal of a Central Florida wildlife habitat created for butterflies, caterpillars, bees, hummingbirds, and other insects that inhabit this area.

about

I am a gardener in Florida who maintains a wildlife habitat to sustain butterflies, bees, hummingbirds, birds, and insects. Host plants are grown to sustain butterfly caterpillars for this area. Flowers are grown to provide nectar for pollinators.

Pipevine Swallowtails 2025

August 22, 2025

After several years of very few Pipevine Swallowtails at the Butterfly Dunes, several started showing up this year once the rainy season started in July. Since they do not consume the tropical non-native host plant (Aristolochia trilobata) I provide, I went on a mission to find the native Aristolochia serpentaria vine near my property, since my research suggests this is a main food source. I was rewarded in my search.

This native vine, A. serpentaria, aka Virginia Snakeroot is one of its primary host plants here in Central FL. It grows in very shaded areas and so far I’ve found one deeply shaded unmowed corner on the property under cedar and trees. There are about 10 small vines (about 6-8 inshes long) in this little corner. Going to continue to search the wooded areas for more host plants. Will attempt to harvest a few vines before frost and collect seeds in October.

I found one caterpillar and dug up this plant and one more to feed him.