A method and system for rearing butterflies in a garden based on the configuration of larval host and adult nectar plant
By selecting suitable butterfly species and plants for the local area, and combining them with net cages and intelligent monitoring systems, a method for raising butterflies in courtyards has been developed. This method solves the problems of high cost and high barriers to entry in raising butterflies in small and medium-sized spaces, and achieves low-cost, low-barrier butterfly breeding and population recovery, which is suitable for family courtyards and rural economies.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202610431156.8
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2026-04-02
- Publication Date
- 2026-05-29
AI Technical Summary
Existing butterfly farming techniques suffer from high energy consumption, high costs, and high technical barriers in small and medium-sized spaces and family backyards. They lack adaptable and easily promoted technical pathways, and the reduction of the original butterfly habitat has led to a decline in the butterfly population.
A backyard butterfly rearing method using larval host plants and adult nectar source plants includes selecting butterfly species and plants suitable for the local area, setting up net cages and microenvironment facilities, and combining them with an intelligent monitoring system to construct a highly adaptable ecological unit.
It enables low-cost, low-barrier butterfly breeding, is suitable for various locations, has broad application prospects, promotes butterfly reproduction and population recovery, and is applicable to family courtyards, rural economy and science education.
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Figure CN122096047A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention belongs to the field of ecological environment protection and biodiversity conservation, specifically a method and system for raising butterflies in a courtyard based on the configuration of larval host plants and adult nectar source plants. Background Technology
[0002] Butterflies, as important ecological indicator insects and insects with extremely high aesthetic value and cultural significance, not only play a role in pollination and maintaining ecological balance, but also have broad application prospects in fields such as ecotourism, environmental education, and craft decoration. With the advancement of ecological civilization construction in my country, butterfly breeding and protection have gradually attracted social attention, and the butterfly breeding industry has also gradually developed, especially in the industrial chain of ecotourism viewing, live release, and specimen processing, showing strong development momentum and broad market prospects. However, most existing butterfly raw materials rely on wild collection, and the breeding of a few species largely depends on large-scale greenhouses or breeding sheds, failing to form a technical system adapted to different regional conditions. In particular, there are still related problems in the selection of local butterfly germplasm resources, determination of the most suitable host plants, and optimization of the breeding environment, lacking targeted, adaptable, and easily promoted technical pathways. The current breeding methods, which generally rely on artificial temperature and humidity control, have high barriers in terms of energy consumption, cost input, and technical requirements, making it difficult to promote and apply in low-cost environments such as small and medium-sized farms and family ecological courtyards.
[0003] On the other hand, with the continuous advancement of urbanization, the original natural habitats of butterflies are shrinking, and their populations are declining year by year. To improve ecological quality and restore the butterfly's living environment, developing new breeding models that are suitable for small spaces, eco-friendly, and have low maintenance costs is one direction for enhancing urban biodiversity and ecological education functions. Although some studies have attempted to breed butterflies in artificial environments, most of them focus on large-scale industrial scenarios. There is still a lack of systematic research and technical solutions on how to scientifically arrange plants, regulate the environment, and improve survival and reproduction rates in microenvironments such as family courtyards, small gardens, and urban balconies.
[0004] Therefore, it is necessary to develop a method and system for raising butterflies in courtyards, based on local butterfly germplasm resources and scientifically configured host plants, and adapted to micro-environmental conditions. By constructing a complete ecological unit including host plants, nectar plants, habitat facilities, and microenvironmental regulation mechanisms, it is possible not only to effectively promote butterfly reproduction and population recovery, but also to develop rural courtyard economies, popular science education, and urban ecological beautification. Furthermore, it features low initial costs, low entry barriers, and high development potential, meeting the needs of various scenarios such as courtyard economic development, large-scale breeding, scientific research, popular science education, and ecological protection, and has broad application prospects. Summary of the Invention
[0005] The purpose of this invention is to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art and provide a method and system for raising butterflies in the garden based on the configuration of larval host and adult nectar source plants. This method or system can realize the raising of butterflies in all stages from egg to adult, and has the characteristics of low initial cost, low entry threshold and high development potential.
[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution provided by the present invention is as follows: A method for raising butterflies in a garden based on the configuration of larval host plants and adult nectar source plants includes the following steps: Step 1: Select butterfly species with ornamental or ecological value suitable for local ecological conditions, along with their host plants and nectar sources; specifically, this includes the following steps: Step (1): When selecting butterfly species for breeding, prioritize local species with ornamental, ecological, or economic value to increase profits while ensuring survival rates and environmental adaptability. Once breeding techniques are mature, species and host plants with successful breeding records and strong adaptability from other regions can be introduced. Step (2): Based on the layout and available area of the courtyard, select either movable or fixed net cages. To meet the space requirements for the butterflies' daily flight, mating, and egg-laying activities, the height of the net cage should not be less than 3m, and the area should not be less than 10㎡. The net surface can be made of 60-100 mesh natural-colored diamond mesh, white or transparent nylon mesh. The net cage should be placed in a location with sufficient light, good ventilation, and some shade.
[0007] Step Two: Set up net cages according to the size of the courtyard, determine the number of butterflies to release based on their spatial needs, and arrange an appropriate number of host plants and nectar-producing plants in the net cages to meet the feeding needs of butterfly larvae and the nutritional needs, habitat, and reproduction needs of adult butterflies. This includes the following steps: Step (1): The host plants are selected according to the species of butterflies being raised. For example, for species such as the Common Mormon, the Blue Mormon, and the Citrus Mormon, plants of the Rutaceae family such as Sichuan pepper, citrus, lemon, and Evodia rutaecarpa are selected; for species such as the Ribbon Swallowtail, the Musk Swallowtail, and the Golden Birdwing, plants of the Aristolochiaceae family such as Aristolochia debilis, Aristolochia contorta, and Aristolochia fasciata are selected; for species such as the Leopard Butterfly, plants of the Violaceae family such as Viola yedoensis and Viola yedoensis are selected. Step (2): The first generation of insect sources can be obtained through legal field collection or purchase through formal channels.
[0008] Step (3): After the new generation of larvae hatches from the eggs, place the larvae on the host plants in the larval rearing area for rearing. Replace the host plants in a timely manner according to their condition. If the density is too high, place them in rearing boxes or small net cages according to their age, with each larva having a usable space of ≥50cm. 3 Feed them by picking leaves from the host plant. Feed young larvae with tender leaves, and older larvae with older leaves from the middle and lower parts of the plant. Step (4): Depending on the actual larval rearing environment, larvae reared on host plant plants can pupate naturally. Individuals reared in small net cages can be provided with climbing nets, small branches, etc. for pupation. After overwintering pupae have pupated, they should be immediately placed in a 0-2℃ refrigerator for storage and moistened with a moist cotton ball. Step (5): To ensure the egg production and hatching rate of a single female, select strong and active individuals after adult emergence for breeding at a female:male ratio of 1:2-3, with each female having an activity space of ≥10m³. If the purpose of breeding is for cultural and creative products or specimen making materials, capture and preserve the adults in a timely manner after the body wall has hardened to ensure their good appearance; if it is for the conservation of a specific species, separate the adults into cages or release them into the wild in a timely manner after the body wall has hardened. Step (6): After the adult butterflies emerge, place them in the nectar source plant configuration area of the rearing cage. Configure nectar source plants with many colors, long flowering period, high nectar production and strong ornamental value, including blue peony (flowering period June-September and December-April of the following year, light blue), Buddleja (flowering period April-October, light purple, pink or white), rose (flowering in all seasons, multi-colored), lily (flowering period June-July, September-November, multi-colored), agapanthus (flowering period July-September, dark blue to white), columbine (flowering period April-July, multi-colored), milkweed (flowering period June-November, orange or pink), clematis (flowering period March-May, August-October, multi-colored), spirea (flowering period June-August, white, pink, rose red), cosmos (flowering period June-August, multi-colored), etc., to supplement nutrition, and provide host plants for the reared objects to lay eggs. Provide sugar water or diluted honey water (white sugar / honey: water = 1:10) as a supplementary honey source; and provide a flat tray lined with damp gravel to simulate the water absorption environment under natural conditions.
[0009] Step (7): Based on the breeding habits of the butterflies and their requirements for flight space, reasonably set the height difference between the nectar source plant area and the host plant area. The selection of nectar source plants should take into account the flowering season, flower color, and flowering period. The host plants should be selected from plants with many buds and leaves and vigorous growth. The host plants and nectar source plants should be set at a ratio of 1:3. For species that lay eggs singly, each female can be selected to lay eggs with ≥500 leaves. For species that lay eggs in clusters, each female can be selected to lay ≥15 host plants. Step (8): The host plant placed in the molting and oviposition area is used to collect the eggs. After the female lays eggs, the host plant with the eggs is moved to the larval rearing area for hatching. Step 3: Refine the microenvironment, including setting up flat trays covered with damp gravel or filled with honey water, and improving the lighting facilities for the wire mesh cage. Specifically, this includes the following steps: Step (1): Supplement the butterfly activity area with ecological facilities for butterflies to rest, hide, and drink water. Water tray device: Leave a relatively open space in the net cage and place a shallow tray or a double-layer drain tray with mesh. Line the tray with absorbent cotton, a layer of wet gauze, sand, pebbles or gravel. Clean and replace it regularly. If a double-layer drain tray is used, the bottom liquid level should be kept high to facilitate butterfly feeding. If raising groups such as nymphalid butterflies or gray butterflies, fermented fruit can also be provided for them to drink. Step (2): Provide butterfly attachment, egg-laying and hiding space by setting up trellises, climbing nets or shrub combinations; Step (3): Distribute the above facilities reasonably according to the ecological habits of the butterfly species raised in the courtyard. At the same time, when setting up the net cage, use the eaves, walls, trees and other partial shades. You can also set up a shade net that is easy to open and close for shading during the summer sun. It can partially cover the area and meet the needs of individuals that like light and those that need shade, so as to create a suitable butterfly microclimate environment.
[0010] Step 4: Install an intelligent data acquisition and monitoring system to record and analyze the status of butterflies, host plants, and nectar plants in real time. This includes the following steps: Step (1): Install intelligent monitoring equipment terminals in the cage to record parameters such as temperature, humidity, and illuminance in the cage. Monitor and collect butterfly status and behavior, host and nectar plant growth data in real time, and transmit the data to the back-end server for data analysis. This system has a high server cost and is more suitable for multi-household cooperation, large-scale breeding, or scientific research data collection and analysis.
[0011] Step (2): According to the intelligent data collection and monitoring system for raising butterflies in the courtyard described above, the data analysis module is connected to the sensor in the breeding cage to collect parameters such as temperature, humidity, and light, and is connected to the high-definition camera to collect butterfly and plant growth data, and is connected to the back-end server to realize data storage and analysis.
[0012] A backyard butterfly rearing system based on larval host plants and adult nectar source plants includes: Net cages; host plants for larvae and nectar sources for adults placed inside the net cages; flat-bottomed trays inside the net cages for holding moist gravel or honey water; intelligent monitoring equipment, including sensors, cameras, and data analysis modules, for real-time monitoring of environmental parameters, butterfly activity, and plant growth status; also includes larval rearing areas, rearing boxes, small net cages, climbing nets, pupal attachment materials, nectar source replenishment devices, and microenvironmental regulation facilities.
[0013] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are: it has the characteristics of low initial investment cost, low entry threshold and high development potential. Once its breeding mode is formed, it can breed a variety of local species of host plants that feed on the same family and genus. The method can also be transferred to other groups, and it can complete the breeding of generations. Moreover, it is simple to operate, suitable for a variety of places, and has a wide range of application prospects. Attached Figure Description
[0014] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram showing the detailed oviposition period of the species that produce multiple eggs according to the present invention. Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the details of raising swallowtail butterfly larvae according to the present invention; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram showing the details of the attachment of the swallowtail butterfly pupa according to the present invention.
[0015] The following items are shown in the diagram: 1. Net cage, 2. Larval rearing box, 3. Larval climbing net, 4. Host plant, 5. Honey plant, 6. Flat tray, 7. Intelligent monitoring equipment terminal, 8. Electronic monitoring system. Detailed Implementation
[0016] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention. Example
[0017] This invention discloses a method for raising butterflies in a garden based on the configuration of larval host plants and adult nectar source plants, comprising the following steps: Step 1: Select butterfly species with ecological or economic value suitable for local ecological conditions, along with their host plants and nectar sources; specifically, this includes the following steps. (1) The project site is located in Zhengzhou, Henan Province, which has a temperate continental monsoon climate with four distinct seasons and simultaneous rainfall and heat. The average temperature in spring and autumn is 14.4℃, and the average temperature in summer (June-August) is 25-27℃; (2) Based on the common butterfly species in Zhengzhou area, 50 larvae of the first generation of Papilio polytes were obtained through field collection. Their host plants were Rutaceae plants such as Sichuan pepper, citrus, and lemon.
[0018] Step Two: Set up net cages according to the size of the courtyard, determine the number of butterflies to release based on the spatial requirements of the species, and arrange an appropriate number of host plants and nectar-producing plants in the net cages to meet the feeding needs of butterfly larvae and the nutritional needs, habitat, and reproduction needs of adult butterflies; specifically including the following steps: (1) Net room layout: The breeding net cage is built on a flat ground. The breeding net cage is 3m long × 3m wide × 3m high, with a floor area of 27m3. The net surface is made of 100-mesh white nylon mesh. The net cage is set in a location with sufficient light, good ventilation, and some shade. (2) Larval rearing: Transfer the larvae of the Common Mormon butterfly obtained from the wild to host plants in the rearing area for rearing. Replace the host plants in a timely manner according to their condition. If the density is too high, some larvae can be collected into rearing boxes or small net cages. The average activity space per larva should be ≥50cm3. Feed them with leaves from the host plants. Feed young larvae with tender leaves and older larvae with older leaves from the middle and lower parts of the plant. Regularly clean up dead branches, fallen leaves and feces to prevent the growth of pathogens. (3) Storage of pupae: Larvae raised on host plant plants can pupate naturally if they are not overwintering generations. Individuals raised in small net cages can be provided with climbing nets, small branches, etc. for pupation. After overwintering generations have finished pupating, they should be placed in a refrigerator at 0-2℃ and moistened with cotton balls to keep them moist. (4) Adult management: To ensure the egg production and hatching rate of a single female, strong and active individuals of the Common Mormon butterfly are selected for breeding after emergence, with a female:male ratio of 1:2-3. Each female has an activity space of ≥10m³, and well-grown host plants are placed around her for egg laying after mating. After the female lays eggs, the host plants containing the eggs are moved to the larval rearing area for hatching. The remaining pupae can be captured and preserved in time after the adult completes the hardening of the body wall to ensure that the quality is intact and can be used as materials for cultural and creative products or specimen making. (5) Setting up nectar sources and sugar water: Place the male and female adult insects used for breeding in the rearing cage in proportion and arrange the following plants: Plumbago auriculata (flowering period June-September and December-April of the following year, pale blue), Buddlejalindleyana (flowering period April-October, pale purple, pink or white), Rosa chinensis (flowering year-round, multi-colored), Lilium brownii var. viridulum (flowering period June-July, September-November, multi-colored), Agapanthus africanus (flowering period July-September, dark blue to white), Aquilegia viridiflora (flowering period April-July, multi-colored), Asclepias curassavica (flowering period June-November, orange or pink), Clematis florida (flowering period March-May, August-October, multi-colored), and Spiraea. Honey plants with diverse flower colors, long flowering periods, abundant nectar production, and high ornamental value, such as *Salicifolia* (flowering June-August, white, pink, and rose-red), *Cosmos bipinnatus* (flowering June-August, multicolored), are provided to supplement the nutrition of adult insects and to provide host plants for the rearing insects to lay eggs. Sugar water or diluted honey water (white sugar / honey: water = 1:10) is provided as a supplementary nectar source; a flat tray lined with moist gravel is also provided to simulate a water-absorbing environment under natural conditions.
[0019] (6) Host and Nectar Plant Configuration: The Common Mormon butterfly has high requirements for flight space. The configuration of host and nectar plants should be reasonably matched to ensure that the Common Mormon butterfly's needs can be met during flight, foraging, and resting. The selection of nectar plants should take into account the flowering season, flower color, and flowering period. Host plants should be selected from plants with many buds and leaves and vigorous growth. The layout should take into account both aesthetics and feeding preferences. The ratio of host plants to nectar plants should be 1:3. For species that lay eggs singly, each female can choose ≥500 leaves for egg-laying. For species that lay eggs in clusters, each female can choose ≥15 host plants.
[0020] (7) Care of host plants and nectar plants: Choose flower pots of appropriate size and good air permeability according to the size and growth needs of the plants. When planting, lay a layer of gravel or clay pebbles at the bottom of the flower pot to ensure good air permeability and drainage. Water in a timely manner according to the different growth needs of the plants, and apply fertilizer frequently in small amounts. If possible, collect rainwater or leave tap water open for a period of time to remove chlorine before watering. During the rainy season, check the drainage at the bottom of the pot regularly. If there is standing water, drain it in time to avoid water retention leading to root rot. For nectar plants, ensure the supply of phosphorus fertilizer in particular to promote their flowering. Prune host plants regularly to ensure their growth. Remove spent flowers from nectar plants in time and clean up diseased and withered leaves. If the host plant or nectar plant is affected by pests or diseases, remove it in time. In winter, the potted plants can be moved indoors or kept warm in a net cage.
[0021] Step 3: Refine the microenvironment, including setting up flat trays covered with damp gravel or filled with honey water, and improving the lighting facilities for the wire mesh cage. Specifically, this includes the following steps: Supplement the butterfly activity area with ecological facilities for butterflies to obtain water (various plants can also provide this). Water tray system: Leave a relatively open space inside the net cage and place a shallow tray or a double-layered draining tray with mesh. Line the tray with absorbent cotton, a layer of damp gauze, gravel, pebbles, or crushed stones. Change the water regularly with fresh water or sugar water. If using a double-layered draining tray, maintain the water level at the bottom to facilitate butterfly feeding. If raising nymphs or blue butterflies, fermented fruit can also be provided for them to lick. Set up a trellis and shrubs on top of the net cage for butterflies to perch and rest. Butterflies are sensitive to humidity; spray water mist in the yard according to the ambient humidity to avoid an overly dry environment.
[0022] Step 4: Install an intelligent data acquisition and monitoring system to record and analyze the status of butterflies, host plants, and nectar plants in real time. This includes the following steps: A smart monitoring device terminal is installed in the cage to record parameters such as temperature, humidity, and illuminance. It monitors and collects data on the status and behavior of the Common Mormon butterfly, as well as the growth data of the host and nectar plants in real time. The data analysis module is linked to the sensors in the breeding cage to collect parameters such as temperature, humidity, and light, and transmits the data to the back-end server for data storage and analysis. Example
[0023] The method described in Example 1 was used to raise the Citrus Swallowtail (Papilio xuthus): Larvae and eggs were collected in the wild and released in Zhengzhou between May and October, with a release quantity of 60 larvae. Using the methods and facilities described above, the adult oviposition chambers were made of 3×3×3m nylon mesh. The host plants were Sichuan pepper, lemon, citrus, and Evodia rutaecarpa, and the nectar source plants were Buddleja officinalis, rose, lily, and Agapanthus. The molting success rate was over 95%, the egg hatching rate was 75%, and the generation was achieved in 4-5 generations per year. Example
[0024] The Byasa alcinous swallowtail butterfly was reared using the method described in Example 1. Larvae and eggs were collected in the wild and released in Zhengzhou from April to September. 100 larvae were released. The above methods and facilities were used to provide 3×3×3m nylon mesh for adult oviposition. Host plants included Aristolochia and Clematis chinensis, and nectar sources included Clematis chinensis, Buddleja officinalis, rose, lily, Agapanthus chinensis, hydrangea, and Plumeria rubra. The molting success rate was over 65%, and the egg hatching rate was 80%. Example
[0025] The Ribbon Swallowtail (Sericinus montelus) was reared using the method described in Example 1: Larvae and eggs were collected in the wild and released in Zhengzhou from April to October. 300 larvae were released. The above methods and facilities were used to provide 3×3×3m nylon and diamond mesh netting for adult oviposition. The host plant was Aristolochia debilis, and the nectar source plants were Clematis chinensis, Buddleja officinalis, rose, lily, Agapanthus chinensis, hydrangea, and Plumeria rubra. The molting success rate was over 75%, and the egg hatching rate was 80%. Example
[0026] The method described in Example 1 was used to raise the Paprika butterfly Argynnis paphia. Eggs and pupae were collected and released in Zhengzhou between May and October. A total of 30 insects and 10 pupae were released. Using the methods and facilities described above, the adult oviposition chambers were made of 3×3×3m nylon mesh. Host plants included Viola tricolor, Viola tricolor, and Viola salsa; nectar sources included Clematis, Rose, Lily, Agapanthus, Hydrangea, and Plumbago alatus. The emergence success rate was over 85%, and the egg hatching rate was 85%, achieving 5-6 generations per year.
[0027] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to the details of the exemplary embodiments described above, and that the invention can be implemented in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. Therefore, the embodiments should be considered in all respects as exemplary and non-limiting, and the scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims rather than the foregoing description. Thus, all variations falling within the meaning and scope of equivalents of the claims are intended to be included within the present invention. No reference numerals in the claims should be construed as limiting the scope of the claims.
Claims
1. A method for raising butterflies in a garden based on the configuration of larval host plants and adult nectar source plants, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: Step 1: Select butterfly species with ornamental or ecological value that are suitable for local ecological conditions, and determine their larval host plants and adult nectar source plants. Step 2: Set up net cages according to the size of the courtyard, determine the number of butterflies to release according to the spatial requirements of the selected butterfly species, and arrange the corresponding number of host plants and nectar plants in the net cages. Step 3: Set up a suitable microenvironment inside the net cage, including setting up a flat-bottomed tray with moist gravel or filled with honey water, and improving the lighting facilities of the net cage. Step 4: Install monitoring equipment terminals and electronic monitoring systems to record and analyze butterfly activity, host plants, and nectar source plants in real time.
2. The method for raising butterflies in a courtyard according to claim 1, characterized in that, In step 2, a larval rearing area is set up inside the net cage. The larvae are placed in rearing boxes or small net cages according to their age, and climbing nets or small branches are provided for them to attach to when they pupate.
3. The method for raising butterflies in a courtyard according to claim 1, characterized in that, In step 2, the net cage is either movable or fixed, with a height of not less than 3m and a floor area of not less than 10㎡. The net surface is made of 60-100 mesh natural diamond mesh, white nylon mesh, or transparent nylon mesh. The net cage is placed in a location with sufficient light, good ventilation, and some shade.
4. The method for raising butterflies in a courtyard according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, Step 2 specifically includes the following steps: Step (1) Host plant selection: Select the corresponding host plant according to the butterfly species being raised; among them, Rutaceae plants are selected for the Common Mormon, Common Blue Mormon, and Common Citrus Mormon; Aristolochiaceae plants are selected for the Common Ribbon, Common Musk Mormon, and Common Golden Birdwing; Violaceae plants are selected for the Common Leopard Mormon. Step (2), Larval rearing: Obtain the first generation of insects through legal wild collection or purchase; place the larvae on the host plant or in a rearing box / small net cage for rearing, and change the host plant in time to ensure that each larva has a usable space of ≥50cm³. Feed the young larvae with tender leaves and feed the older larvae with the middle and lower old leaves. Step (3) Storage of pupae: Non-overwintering larvae pupate naturally; after overwintering pupae have pupated, they are stored in an environment of 0-2℃ and kept moist. Step (4) Adult management: Select strong and active adults and use them for breeding at a female-to-male ratio of 1:2-3. Each female should have an activity space of ≥10m³. Depending on the purpose of breeding, the adults can be used for breeding, conservation, cultural and creative products or specimen making.
5. The method for raising butterflies in a courtyard according to claim 4, characterized in that, Adult insects for breeding are placed in a breeding cage in proportion to the number of nectar-producing plants, including one or more of the following: blue peony, Buddleja officinalis, rose, lily, agapanthus, columbine, milkweed, clematis, spirea, and cosmos. Sugar water or diluted honey water is provided as a supplementary nectar source, and a flat tray lined with moist gravel is provided to simulate a natural water absorption environment.
6. The method for raising butterflies in a courtyard according to claim 5, characterized in that, The selection of nectar source plants takes into account flowering season, flower color and flowering period; host plants are selected from plants with many buds and leaves and vigorous growth; host plants and nectar source plants are configured in a volume ratio of 1:3; for species that lay eggs singly, each female can produce ≥500 leaves; for species that lay eggs in clusters, each female can select ≥15 host plants.
7. The method for raising butterflies in a courtyard according to claim 1, characterized in that, In step 3, the microenvironment further includes: (1) Set a shallow or double-layered drain tray inside the net cage, lined with absorbent material, sand or gravel, and clean and replace it regularly for butterflies to take water; (2) Set up trellises, climbing nets or shrubs to provide space for butterflies to rest, hide and lay eggs; (3) Use shade nets or natural shade materials to regulate light and create a suitable microclimate.
8. The method for raising butterflies in a courtyard according to claim 1, characterized in that, In step 4, the monitoring equipment terminal and electronic monitoring system include: a monitoring terminal set in the net cage for collecting temperature, humidity, and illuminance parameters, monitoring the butterfly status, behavior, and plant growth data in real time, and transmitting the data to the back-end server for analysis; and a data analysis module, which is connected to sensors in the breeding cage to collect environmental parameters, connected to a high-definition camera to collect visual data, and connected to the back-end server to realize data storage and analysis.
9. A garden butterfly rearing system based on the configuration of larval host plants and adult nectar source plants, characterized in that, include: Net cage; The larval host plants and adult nectar plants are arranged inside the net cage; the flat-bottomed tray inside the net cage is used to hold moist gravel or honey water; Intelligent monitoring equipment, including sensors, cameras, and data analysis modules, is used to monitor environmental parameters, butterfly activity, and plant growth status in real time.
10. The backyard butterfly breeding system according to claim 9, characterized in that, It also includes one or more of the following: larval rearing area, rearing box, small net cage, climbing net, pupation attachment material, nectar source replenishment device, and microenvironment regulation facility.