One of the kindergarten classes came into the library all excited this afternoon. The butterfly which had been snugly sleeping in its chrysalis since they found it in the garden last October, had finally hatched. I followed them back to their room to see and record the newly emerged butterfly. This is Eric posing for me. He is the one who happened to notice that the chrysalis had hatched.
I have a question, but I didn't want to spoil their celebration. What do you do with a butterfly who probably emerged prematurely because he was in the warm classroom instead of the cold outdoors? Release him in February and he's dead for sure. But I doubt that he will thrive in this net cage until warm weather arrives. Any lepidopterists out there?
They really only live a couple of weeks in the wild. You can keep him and feed him since if you put him outside he will surely die. Mine are overwintering outside in my shed in their little cage.
Oh, how exciting! At first when I glanced at your photo, I thought to myself...I didn't know it was time for butterflies to hatch yet...then I read your comment...so now I, too, am wondering what happens next?
They really only live a couple of weeks in the wild. You can keep him and feed him since if you put him outside he will surely die. Mine are overwintering outside in my shed in their little cage.
http://www.allfreecrafts.com/nature/butterfly-food.shtml
Or, you can contact a local zoo that has a butterfly exhibit and see if they will take it in for you.