Villadom Times Weekly Newpaper Online-May 11, 2011 Issue

Page 26 THE VILLADOM TIMES II & IV • May 11, 2011 �� Butterﬂies are an anticipated spring spectacle Few harbingers of spring are more spectacular to look at than the variety of butterflies that take to the skies after they emerge from chrysalis. Although it is widely known that butterflies and moths go through a metamorphosis to turn into their finished forms, many are unaware just how many steps it takes for a butterfly to be ready to fly. A butterfly begins its life as an egg, which a female butterfly lays on a particular plant that the species of butterfly prefers to eat. This is called a host plant. Butterflies are very particular about the type of plant that they eat. Certain species will only eat one type of plant or closely related varieties. 3-2-11 karen/janine When a butterfly hatches from the egg, it is called a larva, or a first instar caterpillar. The insect is very HomeImpDecBanner6x small and does nothing but eat from the host plant. 6 x .75” Caterpillars are voracious eaters, and they grow very quickly. The trouble is that their skin cannot grow. A new, larger skin must be formed. To do this the caterpillar must molt its old skin so that the new, larger skin can emerge. As it eats, a caterpillar will go through a few stages depending on the species. It may become a second, third, fourth, and fifth instar caterpillar. A caterpillar that has molted several times may look very different from its initial larval form. It will be much larger and may have different colors and features. During the final molt, the discarded skin will become part of the chrysalis that will house the caterpillar as it pupates. The caterpillar spins a silk girdle that attaches it to a particular location, either on a tree branch or a plant stem. Contrary to popular belief, butterflies are not formed in cocoons. Their pupa is called a chrysalis. Only some varieties of moths transform inside of a cocoon. In the chrysalis, the caterpillar is undergoing a rapid transformation. The chewing mouthparts are turning into the sucking mouthparts of a butterfly. Wings and antennae are also forming. The pupa stage is not merely hibernation for the caterpillar. It is a time of very active growth. About 10 to 14 days later, the butterfly will emerge from the chrysalis. Upon doing so, the wings will be wet and small. The butterfly then pumps fluids through the wings to expand them. It also needs to get used to flying. A recently hatched butterfly is very vulnerable until its wings are ready and dry. An adult butterfly eats nectar and reproduces to begin the life cycle anew. Relatively speaking, a butterfly has a short life span. Some species live only a few days. Others may live up to a year. This can make viewing a spectacularly hued butterfly in a spring garden even more poignant for the observer. More than 700 species of butterflies are found in North America. In order to attract them to the backyard, homeowners can plant wildlife that nurtures all stages of the metamorphosis. Adult butterflies looking for nectar will seek out plants in the sunlight; rarely do they feed in the shade. Plants should have red, yellow, orange, pink, or purple blossoms. Flat-topped or clustered flowers are preferred, as are short flower tubes that enable the butterfly’s proboscis to fit in easily. DESIGN • INSTALLATION • REPAIR Member N.J.L.C.A & N.J. Turf Grass Assoc. Home Improvement Contractor # 13VH 02695300 SINCE 1982 START-UPS AS LOW AS 49.95 201-447-LAWN (5296) RESIDENTIAL • COMMERCIAL • INSURED • BONDED www.landscapeworks.net During the month of May, Rohsler’s Allendale Nursery and Florist will host “Pink Month,” a fundraiser that is part of Invincibelle® Spirit Campaign to raise $1 million for the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. For every Invincibelle® Spirit pink “Annabelle” hydrangea sold, the grower will donate $1 to the BCRF. Additionally, Rohsler’s Allendale Nursery and Florist will donate 20 percent of the proceeds of all Invincibelle® Spirit pink hydrangeas they sell to the BCRF. Like women who have survived breast cancer, this new pink-flowered mophead hydrangea is resilient and can stand extreme conditions. It blooms from mid-summer to fall, even after harsh winters, making it a wonderful addition to the garden. “We chose to get involved in this campaign because breast cancer is a cause that is close to many of our customers and employees. Approximately one in eight women run the risk of developing breast cancer at some point, so we Rohsler’s announces ‘Pink Month’ all know someone who has been affected by this disease. Hosting this event is a great opportunity to raise support and money for a great cause,” said Bruce Rohsler. “We’re thrilled to partner with the BCRF for this event because they have been consistantly recognized as one of the top-rated cancer organizations. For every dollar the BCRF receives, a minimum of 85 cents goes towards cancer research and awareness programs, so we know the money is going to the right place to help find a cure for breast cancer.” The Breast Cancer Research Foundation is an organization dedicated to preventing and finding a cure in our lifetime by funding clinical and translational research worldwide. For more information about the BCRF, visit www.bcrfcure.org. Donations to the BCRF can also be made via their weblink on the Rohsler’s Allendale Nursery and Florist website, www.rohslers.com. Rohsler’s is located at 100 Franklin Turnpike in Allendale. �� 4-13-11 pat/janine We Carry The Entire Line Of WEBER® Grills From LandscapeworksIrrigationColor2x3.5(4-13-11) Standard Models To Premium Versions 2 x 3.5 Not Available In Many Stores. Rev1 Let Us Show And Explain The Difference To You. We do WEBER Grill Repairs �� HOME HARDWARE Offers More WEBER® Grill Options Than Any Other Store HOME Garden �� To advertise your business in YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD NEWSPAPER Consult our advertisers for advice on improving your �� FREE �� With coupon only VT �� FREE �� VT With coupon only FREE �� VT With coupon only Call: 201-652-0744