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Monday I hung a butterfly feeder (see pic). Butterflies have come within 4-6' of it, but not eaten at it, as far as I know. But, yesterday a wasp found it - and from the way it was eating, wasp meals must be pretty few and far between. Several bees have come near it but not landed on it (just like the butterflies). Now you know that I *love* feeding the bees, and the wasp too, it bothers me not at all. But am wondering -- can the three share the feeder or should I put up something separate for the bees/wasp and hope they eat there? TIA! jo
Bees and butterflies tend to avoid those feeders when there's ample nectar flowing. In my experience, they primarily attract wasps and ants this time of the year.
I've never seen any bees or butterflies on mine when I put it out and it was in the middle of a garden designed with both butterflies and bees in mind. Butterflies seem to like slightly rotted fruit, so when I put that out on the feeder, they'd stop by for a snack once in a great while, but the wasps and ants were much more prevelant. If they even go for that, it might be when the nectar flow has slowed down and they start to get desperate. Unfortunately, that's also the time of the year when the jellow jackets get more aggressive. Maybe someone else will see this thread and give you different news.
Well, I *do* appreciate your advice - the fruit I've put out dries out before it can rot so I try to at least use *really* ripe fruit, LOL! I cannot believe the depths of my ignorance, so any advice is good and especially when it comes from someone who has experience. Thanks! jo
