By Kait Chapman, Extension Educator in Lancaster County
Summer is upon us, and with it comes Pollinator Week! A seven-day celebration across North America, pollinator week is observed from June 22–28, 2026. This year’s national theme is “Life on a Leaf: Celebrating Caterpillars and Host Plants,” which highlights the importance of feeding not only adult pollinators like butterflies but also their young caterpillar counterparts.
Interested in starting a pollinator garden or planting some extra food for these pre-pollinators? Here are some common caterpillars and their host plants to keep an eye out for.
• Monarch Butterfly caterpillar (Danaus plexippus): Host plant — milkweed (Asclepias spp.)
• Black Swallowtail Butterfly caterpillar (Papilio polyxenes): Host plant — herbs in the carrot family (Apiaceae)
• Painted Lady Butterfly caterpillar (Vanessa cardui): Host plants — thistles (Cirsium spp.), hollyhocks (Alcea), mallow (Malva) and more.
• Gorgone Checkerspot Butterfly caterpillar (Chlosyne gorgone): Host plants — coneflowers, sunflowers and black-eyed Susans
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FOR MORE INFORMATION
Learn more about National Pollinator Week at http://www.pollinator.org/pollinator-week