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Releasing Our Butterflies

11 May, 2011; Filed Under: homeschool

We kept our butterflies about a week and a half after they emerged from their chrysalises, but we wanted to let them go before their short life span ended. Painted Lady butterflies, like we have, live an average of two to four weeks.

The day before we released them, we noticed at least one pair mating. This means we’ll likely have descendants of our current butterflies flitting around here the rest of the summer, and beyond.

They didn’t seem to want to fly away immediately.
ButterflyRelease-5

ButterflyRelease-4

Butterfly on Dandelion

Lacy the WonderDog tried to chase them and catch them. We yelled at her to leave them alone, so she went and plopped down in the cool grass.
Lacy watches Butterfly Release

One had a damaged wing that may have prevented it from flying well, so we put it on a flower we know butterflies like, and hoped for the best. We watched until all the others had flown away. We have so many flowers around our house that we expect the butterflies to stay nearby, and Kathryn will be on the lookout for caterpillars that could be our butterflies’ babies.

Jamie

Wife, mama, homeschooler, dog-wrangler. Introvert who finds joy in good books, sunshine, and authentic conversation. Fitness enthusiast and strength coach. Often seen with a steaming mug of tea in hand.

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Danae@Believing Unbeliever
Danae@Believing Unbeliever
12 May, 2011 9:23 am

We are really wanting to do this for our son, where did you get them? I’m having a difficult time with that. I’ve only found one company – Insect Lore. I appreciate your input.

Sincerely,
Danae

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Jamie
Jamie
Author
Reply to  Danae@Believing Unbeliever
12 May, 2011 9:24 am

Insect Lore is where we got ours. My cousin gave me the habitat, so we just ordered the larvae. It’s the second time we’ve done it and they all survived both times.

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Jonnia
Jonnia
12 May, 2011 11:50 am

Ours never wanted to fly away too quickly, either. ;o)
I found a link with information on the specific flowers that the Painted Ladies favor: http://www.fcps.edu/islandcreekes/ecology/painted_lady.htm

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Tricia @Hodgepodge
Tricia @Hodgepodge
12 May, 2011 12:35 pm

I just love this!!! So exciting. And beautiful!

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Kris @ Weird, Unsocialized Homeschoolers
Kris @ Weird, Unsocialized Homeschoolers
12 May, 2011 1:02 pm

I just noticed your bio at the end of your post and had to wonder…do you think you’ll ever tell Lacy she’s adopted. 😉

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Jamie
Jamie
Author
Reply to  Kris @ Weird, Unsocialized Homeschoolers
12 May, 2011 1:21 pm

Kris — I almost spit my protein shake on the screen laughing at your comment!

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Barb-Harmony Art Mom
Barb-Harmony Art Mom
12 May, 2011 3:38 pm

It is always bittersweet to get to the releasing stage of watching butterflies emerge.

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MissMOE
MissMOE
13 May, 2011 1:11 pm

What a lovely activity. We are going to focus on nature studies next year, and I’ve added Insect Lore to the list of resources.

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