How to make a simple butterfly feeder

By Jay Sullivan and Lisa Hendry

Attract beautiful butterflies to your outdoor area with our easy-to-make fruit feeder.

Ideal for observing butterflies, this feeder will help you enjoy these enchanting insects even if you don't have a big garden or the time or resources to grow butterfly-friendly plants.

What is a butterfly feeder?

This feeder is designed to draw in butterflies for observation and photography using overripe fruit. It is suitable even for small gardens, patios or balconies.

The best way to help butterflies is to grow butterfly-friendly plants that will provide nectar to adults and food to caterpillars. Check out our article on how to attract butterflies to your garden for advice.

A painted lady butterfly with its proboscis unfurled to feed from a flower — A painted lady (*Vanessa cardui*) about to sip nectar from a flower. Butterflies have an all-liquid diet - they can't chew solid food. They use a modified mouthpart, called a proboscis, like a drinking straw. © RudiErnst/ Shutterstock.com

How to make a butterfly feeder

You will need:

a plate
a key ring
scissors
a tape measure
wool (or string)
overripe fruit

1. Cut six lengths of wool, each 2.75 metres long. Gather them and fold in half.

2. Push the folded end through the key ring to create a loop and pull the loose ends through.

3. Separate into six strands (each strand will include two pieces of wool).