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Winter Butterflies by Nick Self
You may think that there’s nothing that can be done for butterflies during late autumn and winter, but that’s not always the case. Most of our butterflies overwinter as an egg, a pupa, or a caterpillar, but some do overwinter as an adult butterfly. This group includes red admiral, small tortoiseshell, peacock, comma and brimstone.
Usually these butterflies will find a cool, dry place such as a shed or garage where they go dormant and await the following spring. If you do find a butterfly in your shed or out-building and it’s not moving, then it is best left right where it is. Remember though that unless the shed has gaps around the door or windows, they will need to be let out again in spring.
If you find a butterfly in your house during the depths of winter, if it is not moving, leave it where it is. If it’s flying around, catch it in a shoe box, wait for it to calm down and then relocate to a shed or other dry, cool place.
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