Is that Rosemary? I've never heard of European leaf curry, And it looks a lot like the rosemary in my garden.

In any case, I can't tell you what the butterfly was thinking. If she was laying eggs I would say she was confused. If she did lay eggs, maybe you would be advised to supply a more appropriate plant for them to grow on, although I am not sure exactly how you would do that.

I look forward to hearing what more senior members of the forum have to say.
Liz

European leaf curry is just another name for Helichrysum italicum, which is in the same general family as all the other American lady host plants. I'd read somewhere that it was an AL host plant, so I tried growing it a few years ago, but it didn't like it here, probably too wet and humid - they say it likes arid conditions. Anyway, she's laying an egg, so this should show up in the near future on the plant -

{{gwi:457472}}

American ladies mainly show up here in early spring when the Gnaphalium pensylvanicum/cudweed has come up. It flowers real early, and the cats use the flowers to make their nests.

Sherry

This post was edited by misssherry on Fri, Aug 23, 13 at 21:54

Thanks so much ladies. What would happen to the cat if it were born this late in summer here in new york?

Nerry

They will overwinter and you'll see butterflies next season:)
AL cats also like Pearly Everlasting (Anaphalis margaritacea) and Dwarf Everlasting (A. triplinervis, they love this one).

I forgot to mention that if there aren't any flowers, they'll make a nest in the leaves, which will look a lot different from a flower nest.

Sherry

haha, what shall i say? she is working obviously.

Here is a link that might be useful: pet supplies