Butterflies You Can Expect to See in LHP

FOR OUR NEW ENTHUSIASTS

When you work with the same subject every day you sometimes take it for granted that everyone else knows everything about butterflies as well. But there are new Butterfly enthusiast coming on board every day who have no idea what, or how to go about "Butterfly keeping".

last year, I brought out a laminated Handy guide which illustrates with pictures the most common Butterflies [and their caterpillars] you can find in lHP. This is a free Handy Guide and I still have a few copies left which I will give away if you phone me.

The following Butterflies will be easy to lure to your gar den with just a few basic plants. Nectar plants are universal food for all butterflies and other pollinating insects and I sug gest that you plant any or all of the following: Pentas [red is best], lantanas, Porter weed, Fire spike, Plumbago, and the bigger shcrubsJatropha, Fire bush and Golden dew drop.

HOST PLANTS: Monarch &: Queen: Scarlet &: Yellow Milkweed are best for these two Butterflies. The Monarch is an old favorite. large brown with black markings and needs no introduction. It's cousin the Queen is also a large brown BF with a black border on the edge of the Wings and white spots on the wing tips. It is less plentiful than the Monarch and very beautiful. The caterpillars look the same but the Queen has an extra set of antennas just behind the front ones, vs. the two of the Monarch.

Gulf Fritillary, Julia &: Zebra long wing: Passion flower (Passiflora incense) and the Suberosa for the Zebra. But be warned. Never plant the Passionflower directly in the Ground. It will "walk" underground and come up all over your yard, eventually becoming a menace. So

contain them in 4 to 6 gal pots (w/o large Erica Davey holes) in the ground. Or simply plant them in large pots next to a trellis to grow against. Not all passion flowers are suit able; Red for instance is not a host plant.

Fritillaries are dark gold with mother of pearl inlays underneath the wings. Julia's are also dark gold with longer wings, much like the Zebra, and a black marking on the front outer edge of the wings. The Zebra, as it's name suggest is black with white/yellow zebra-like markings on the wings It is also the official State Butterfly of Florida. The Zebra is one of my favorites because its flight is like none other. Almost like levitating. The caterpillars of the Fritillary and Julia are brown with spikes while the Zebra is white with black spikes.

In the next addition I shall write about the other species. If you have not yet done so, please get your yard Wildlife certified.

Apart from Nature and Community issues, Erica is a sea soned Realtor with ReMax and can also assist with your Real Estate affairs. Phone her at 954 695 4211

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HURRICANE FEARS

By Dr. Andrea Corn

Dear Dr. Corn,

After our family watched a program discussing hur ricanes, my five year-old son started having night mares. Now he is scared our home could be destroyed and he has become a worrier. Even though my husband and I have explained the unlikelihood of that situation, his fears have not lessened. We are at a loss and need some help!

Dear Concerned,

Children's fears often arise when information presented to them is so overwhelming that it disrupts their feelings of safety and security. Your son is at the age when he is eager to learn about their world, but there are limitations based upon his young age. He is not old enough to make sense of all of the com plex concepts regarding these severe tropical storms. Although your son may have a rudimentary understanding regarding the destruction power of the forceful winds, heavy rain, and gigan tic waves; he can only comprehend this by thinking about these dangers in personal terms.

It sounds like your son is experiencing anticipatory anxiety, which means he is worrying about all the "what if's".

Perhaps your son senses your uneasiness about this subject, and if so, this may also contribute to his concerns. Besides let-

ting him know you will do everything nec essary to take care of and protect him; what will actually make the difference is paying careful attention to his emotional needs.

Your son needs your reassurance, but the message must be delivered in a soothing and supportive way. Help him realize that it is safe to share his innermost thoughts as he needs to learn how to separate his imaginary world from reality.

Another idea may include ways of thinking how he can par ticipate in your family's hurricane planning. If you can help him gain a sense of control within his immediate environment. he will not feel as helpless or scared. Plus it will enable him to see that he can be an active participant and by taking action, so he"ll start to feel a sense of control. This should also help shrink his scary and worrisome thoughts.

Whether your son has fears about hurricanes or other uncontrollable matters, as long as you help him learn ways to appropriately cope, he will be able to weather any storm for more information and practical tips, check out the Fema web· site: www. fema.govlkids)

Dr. Andrea Corn, PSYD has an office located at 2040 E.

Sample Rd. in Lighthouse Point. Call 954-942-3344

If you know of a person with interesting life experiences, please contact us today!

Lighthouse Point Magazine