Magic Butterfly Potion

Who has not been enchanted by the delicate, fluttering and colourful wind dancers known as butterflies? Or as a friend of mine once called them: “Flutter Bys.”

They are the hallmark of any warm summer’s day. Not only are butterflies easy to observe, but they turn up almost everywhere from suburban backyards to country roadsides and woodland trails. Butterfly visits, however, can be few and far between; but you can increase your chances of seeing butterflies by making your very own magical potion. This recipe can attract such beauties as mourning cloaks, viceroys and swallowtail butterflies as well as a variety of moths. The concoction even works on a balcony. If you examine the ingredients you might think “hey, that’s a bit strange!” It turns out that some butterflies love fermented fruit, tree sap, mud and even mammal dung. Beware, for this recipe may also attract yellow jackets and other stinging insects. But with a bit of patience, you’ll be amazed by who visits your potent butterfly bait. Have a camera ready so you can take some pictures. Moths may visit the goop at night.

Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 cup of white sugar

• 1 can of beer

• 4-5 overripe bananas

• water

• half-gallon (2 litre) jar with lid

What to do:

Mix sugar, bananas and a little water in a blender. Pour mixture and beer into jar. Top off with more water to make a half-gallon. Place lid on jar loosely (mixture will ferment). Place mixture in shallow dish outside or paint on trees, rocks, etc. You can even soak a sponge in this mixture and hang it from a tree branch. Check your bait sites (at night, too) to see what winged splendours are enjoying your magic potion!

Submitted by Jacob Rodenburg, Author & Executive Director of Camp Kawartha, an award-winning outdoor education centre and summer camp.