Halloween, 2007
Do you still have butterflies flying in your yard? After several frosts, I am still seeing a few monarchs flying southward. Here in Virginia, there are still sulphurs, cabbage whites, some skippers and variegated fritillaries. This is the latest I've ever seen these species here. Last week I even saw my first long-tailed skipper.
About Me
- Social Butterflies
- I raise and sell butterflies for release to people who are celebrating special occasions. Releasing butterflies at weddings, receptions, memorials, funerals, graduations, birthday parties, anniversaries or any special event makes a memorable impression. Forget throwing rice, releasing balloons, or scattering rose petals. Nothing compares to a live butterfly release. For more info, please see my website: www.socialbtrflies.com.
3 comments:
Everyone likes butterflies. They don't bite or sting; they just bring happiness to people. During the winter months, when they aren't flying, we can always prepare for next year's winged ones. Browse the seed catalogs and other gardening catalogs that come in the mail during the holidays. Plan to add a few butterfly bushes and other nectar plants to your yard. Treat yourself by purchasing a field guide to find out what plants caterpillars eat. You may be surprised that you already have some of those plants in your yard!
So many people tell me that they've had personal experiences with butterflies when a loved one has passed away. My own experience happened a few years ago when my aunt died. She was my godmother and she and I always kept up a correspondence as we both grew older. At her funeral, all the family was seated under the outdoor tent while the priest got ready to say his final words. My aunt's casket was lowered into the ground. Just at that time, a Tiger Swallowtail flew into the tent, circled around me, took its time, and continued to fly around under the tent. All my relatives turned to look at me, since they knew that I had just recently started raising butterflies. It might have been a "sign" from my aunt that she was saying goodbye for the last time.
When is it too cold to release butterflies? For most species, the temperatures need to be above 65 degrees. Monarchs and a few others still can fly at 60 degrees. Any temps lower than that and they will be very sluggish and not able to fly. They are cold-blooded and they need the light and warmth to warm their wings to enable them to fly. That's why you hardly ever see any flying in the winter (unless you live in some southern states).
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