Khew et. al. There is no doubt that the butterfly push (color variations aside) is a powerful magnet for local species of butterflies. It does have a strong odor that attracts quite a few skippers, swallowtails, monarchs, and hummingbird moths. It also attracts the European hornet, not because of the necter, but rather because of the butterflies that it targets. I've photographed a few attacks: extremely vicious.
Now, a fragrant source of nectar should appeal to any butterfly. Why U.S. species find it attractive and your local species do not, is curious. Perhaps there are so many other sources of fragrant necter in Singapore? We have a couple other imported varieties of Asian plants, bushes, and trees that give off a strong, pleasant odor when in bloom and they too attract a variety of native species that should -- logically -- have evolved to favor native sources of nectar over imported, non-native species. Perhaps some of our esteemed colleagues could contribute a thought or two about sensory behavior of your butterflies... or those of butterflies in general.
In human terms (I understand the danger of linking human behavior to non-human species) it's possible that some insects like a different taste. Something new and novel. David, for example, likes durian (I have yet to try durian, but will keep you informed), but may have grown up with Kiwi fruit. Perhaps those raised with durian might enjoy bananas from Costa Rica or apples from Washington State.
Always appreciate the interesting exchanges of views.
Thanks Bill. It's really strange though, because I've seen this Butterfly Bush being cultivated in several areas in Singapore already, and all with the same result - very few local butterflies go for the flowers, even in full bloom. I got mine from seeds that were brought over by a friend who lives in South Carolina, and he says that the bush in his backyard is absolutely a butterfly magnet.
The problem is, our local butterfly 'magnets' are usually odourless - at least to us human beings. Flowers of the Lantana, Snakeweed, Leea and so on, do not have the same strong fragrance that the Buddleias have.
I do agree that the analogy to us humans would not be appropriate and my reference to durians and the like was just in jest.
The subject of geographical behaviour and preferences of butterflies is something that researchers ought to put their minds to. It may not be something of any commercial value to science, but nevertheless a subject that may be interesting to entomologists and horticulturists as well. Bearing in mind that without the many pollinators that the Butterfly Bush usually enjoy over in the States and Australia, the plant may face difficulties in propagating naturally in tropical countries like Singapore.
Adding to the confusion
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