Thanks, Charles. I'll try and gently coax it into a cardboard box and put it in a cool room until spring. I hope it survives!

I meant "cool room" obviously

Many thanks for that, Lee. I don't have a shed or outhouse - but how about if I put it in a shoe box or similar in a coll room in the house where it won't be disturbed until the spring.

A friend told me that you shouldn't pick butterflies up a this damages their wings (or something!). Is that not so?

I know really nothing about butterflies so I'm looking for some expert help! About three weeks ago a butterfly appeared on my bedroom windowsill (inside). I don't know what butterfly it is but I have posted a photo to Flickr at http://www.flickr.com/photos/13882468@N04/4257577890/sizes/o/. Are buute...