How to Catch Butterflies

Visit a zoo or butterfly farm to view the insect closely and get information from the experts.

Purchase a field guide that shows pictures and descriptions of butterflies. Take time to sit in the yard and identify the types of butterflies you see.

Choose a spot in the sun to construct a butterfly garden to attract the insect. Butterflies thrive in sunlight and require special plants on which to lay their eggs, form a chrysalis and eat.

Plant colorful flowers with purple, orange, pink or yellow petals. Butterflies are attracted to bold and bright colors. Choose flowers with flat tops so the butterflies have a nice place to land. Selecting plants with short flower tubes allows the butterfly to extract nectar easily.

Take a butterfly net and gently capture a specimen. Carefully study it up close, being mindful of the delicate wings. If you don't plan to start a collection, release the butterfly back into the wild.