Plant things in relation to butterflies

[Jeff Cagle]

Hi all, 

I've been thinking about ecosystem issues in my yard.

(1) On the happy front, on Friday I discovered a yard-first batch of Pipevine Swallowtail caterpillars on the A macrophylla.  This is a happy event, as we had a persistent population at the old place that until now had not been replicated here.

On the same day, I saw a Sleepy Orange hanging out on the Senna.  I haven't hacked my way over to it yet to inspect for eggs, but I will certainly be looking soon.

(2) Hanging out at a stoplight, I noticed the bindweed flowers getting a lot of skipper action - the trumpet-shaped flowers are clearly appealing. 

Are there native plants with similar flower shape and attractive ability?

(3) And speaking of native plants, I'm considering planting some Coral Honeysuckle to replace the L. japonica I'm ripping out.  Does that work as a host for Hemaris species?  Is there a better choice in the piedmont?  I notice that L sempervirens seems more prevalent in the coastal plain.

Thanks,

Jeff