Many people are learning about the butterfly metamorphosis process. It is wonder-full. This is thrilling to me because once upon a time butterflies were thought to be child's play, but now, adults are getting as much joy from it as children. Why do we believe children should be involved with nature but as adults, we often don't play in it ourselves...? That's for another post.
Anyhow, good for you! You have a butterfly, possibly in a container, and it has emerged from its chrysalis (a.k.a. pupa). There is only one problem, the weather is lousy today and you are concerned about releasing it into climate chaos. What do we do if our butterfly emerges in bad weather like wind or rain?
Here are some facts about butterflies
Butterflies, and all insects, need ambient temperatures to be at a certain point before they can be active and/or fly. This temperature is different, but precise, from one species to the next. For the most part, many US butterflies will not fly in less than 55 degrees Fahrenheit (13 degrees Celsius). This doesn't mean they die, it just means they are inactive below their temperature threshold.
A chrysalis will emerge when ambient temperatures are just right. On a cold day, they are unlikely to emerge outside, but if we have them in a heated home they may. This is especially the case for species that overwinter and wait for spring temps. Swallowtails and Sulphurs, for example. For this reason, I often keep contained chrysalises outside on the porch instead of in a climate controlled home.
Butterflies can bask in the sun to attempt to raise their body temperature. Some may do a type of shiver for the same reason. They can seek out micro-climates. They have survival tricks.
Butterflies are not active at night, so it is best to release them during daylight hours. Early morning is perfect.
Wild butterflies are outside during rainstorms, (obviously) they will normally be sheltering under cover, holding still until conditions improve for flight.
Windy days make flying more difficult, but butterflies are still outside in blustery conditions.
Most butterflies only live for a couple of weeks at best. This assumes they aren't eaten before then and get to die of old age, which many do not. Therefore, when we keep them contained for days, we are severely limiting the time they get to live free and fulfill their butterfly destiny.
Many butterflies do not eat immediately after emerging. They are able to stay contained for around 24 hours with little harm done, but more than that is likely to interfere with their normal butterfly activity (store up nutrients, find a partner, locate host plants, inspire people to believe their grandma is visiting them in spirit, etc.) .
If you are releasing a native (to your area) butterfly during the time of year that it is normally in flight, you can assume it is safe to place it outside during any weather conditions.
Please don't read this as being overly dogmatic because I believe you sincerely care about butterflies and will do what appears best. My intent with those facts is to give you some information from which you can make an informed wise decision about when to set your butterfly free.
My general recommendation is to release a butterfly as soon as possible, despite weather conditions because they are wild animals and have evolved to survive.
I have released thousands of butterflies in all sorts of weather conditions. On windy days, I try to find a wind-break. If it is a rainy day, I typically release in-between showers. If that is not an option, the next best thing is to place the butterfly under a leaf or inside of a shrub or tree or stump where it isn't getting pelted with rain. A shrub under an awning is even better. It will crawl around and position itself as necessary.
The main thing to remember is that they are wild creatures. It is glorious to learn from them and be inspired, but keeping an adult one inside as a pet is difficult and not ideal for the butterfly.
It is helpful to remember that native butterflies are built for survival.
Please check out my butterfly books if you are in Florida, raising monarchs or the Southeast US.
Trust the Process,
Jessica
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