©2005 Sally M. Snell & Michael Snell, all rights reserved
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Their beauty and grace make butterflies honored garden guests. But what secrets do they hide beneath their wings?
Most butterflies live approximately two weeks. They emerge from their chrysalides fully grown.
The Atlas Moth is the largest moth in the world, with a wingspan of 12". The adult moth only lives three-four days.
Most butterfly conservatories obtain their butterflies and moths from butterfly farms around the world. These farms are a cottage industry, and demand for butterflies incentivize local residents to conserve their habitat.
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How are they shipped?
The chrysalides and cocoons are wrapped in toilet paper and placed in small tubes. These are placed in insulated containers and shipped via an express carrier, such as FedEx or UPS. If the timing is right, they emerge only after arriving at their destination.
Why don't butterfly conservatories breed instead of shipping them in?
Small creatures though they are, caterpillars are also voracious eaters. But butterflies and moths only lay eggs where there are host plants the caterpillar can eat, so conservatories tend to keep their conservatories free of anything a caterpillar would find yummy.
Some conservatories breed certain species. For example, the Judy Istock Butterfly Haven in Chicago breeds several varieties of endangered butterflies in an effort to reintroduce them to their native habitat.
How do butterflies protect themselves?
They are champions at mimicry, resembling leaves, prey, or their poisonous counterparts. Some species are even territorial. At night they roost in groups by species, releasing pheromones that discourage predators.
What happens to conservatory butterflies when they die?
Non-native species are double bagged and frozen for at least 72 hours to ensure they are free of parasites. Those that are in remarkable condition are sometimes framed and sold in gift shops. Wing parts are sold to artists who use them as a medium.
Are there any butterfly conservatories in the Midwest?
Yes! In fact, I wrote an article about some of the best in Iowa, Missouri, Illinois, Indiana and Kansas for AAA Missouri Midwest Traveler, July/August 2005
- Iowa
Christina Reiman Butterfly Wing, Ames
- Missouri
Mary Ann Lee Butterfly Wing, St. Louis Zoo, St. Louis
Sophia M. Sachs Butterfly House, Chesterfield
- Illinois
Judy Istock Butterfly Haven, Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, Chicago
- Indiana
Butterfly Garden, White River Garden, Indianapolis (seasonal)
- Kansas
Botanica’s Butterfly House, Wichita (seasonal)
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Butterflies are as close as your backyard. To attract butterflies, plant their favorite foods.
Milkweed, purple coneflower and butterfly bush are excellent providers of nectar for butterflies. But it is equally important to provide nourishment for caterpillars. Hollyhocks, parsley, apple and thistle are popular food sources for several species. Provide a sunny location, a shallow pool of water, and pesticide-free environment, and you are well on your way to creating your own butterfly haven.
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