Bananas about butterflies?

[Susie]

I read somewhere on the interwubz about someone who has been putting out over-ripe bananas regularly for butterflies over the winter, and he has been rewarded by having Red Admirals coming to feed there.

I quite fancy trying this myself. What are peoples' opinions on this? A good idea or is it a waste of time?

Someone else was saying that all those early Red Admirals we saw earlier in the year are likely to have perished due to lack of food - would more people putting out bananas (or another food source for butterflies) over the winter months help more survive?

[Wild-Woman]

I can't imagine it would do any harm. All those sugars must benefit them I should think.
Even with the cold and damp, the RA's are still around. I've seen a lot of bumbles too-perhaps they'd appreciate a sugar boost as well-if they like bananas of course.

[goosey]

I was told to place a pop bottle lid to a bightly coloured disc of card (to resemble a flower) and fill the lid with orange squash for an instant sugar fix to give the butterflies energy. Could butterflies really be fooled into thinking it was a flower? I never tried it. But the over ripe banana sounds good as they feed on the sugars of other over ripe fruit.

[nightshade]

That is a good idea, I put a honey water mix out on a sponge
and only get flies

[goosey]

Originally Posted by nightshade

That is a good idea, I put a honey water mix out on a sponge
and only get flies

I tried a beer and treacle mix smeares on to a buddleia trunk last year to attract moths and got nothing!

[Susie]

I shall give it a bash and see what happens.

I guess now all I need to do is work out where is best to put it - a sunny spot I imagine - and also away from the bird feeders!

[wildlifesnapper]

Sounds a good idea.

When we get a hot spell like we did in early February it brings the butterflies out and they use valuable reserves of energy which are supposed to see them through the winter.So any food put out for them has got to be a possible lifesaver.

neil

[Wild-Woman]

Originally Posted by Susie

I shall give it a bash and see what happens.

I guess now all I need to do is work out where is best to put it - a sunny spot I imagine - and also away from the bird feeders!

You might get monkies!!!

[aeshna5]

I've often seen overmature bananas as an energy source in butterfly houses + Red Admirals are partial to sweet substances- they are often seen on sap runs on trees.

Couple of years back we were waiting for some people at Thursley when I observed a Red Admiral on a picnic table by Moat Pond- it was attracted to some dryish bread crumbs + I was able to get some close shots as its proboscis lapped up (whatever?) from the bread.

Old bananas have also been used to attract Purple Emperors- as well as dead Rabbit, dung + urine- beautiful they may be, but what taste?

Good luck Susie- I'm sure something will enjoy them- maybe you'll get a visit from the troop of Sussex chimps!!

[Susie]

Sussex chimps? lol