Hibernating butterfly problem - advice required

wallace · Post by **wallace** » Tue Sep 26, 2006 9:06 pm

Hi,
A couple days ago a butterfly decided to hibernate in my house. Not got a problem with this as such, but it's preferred hibernation location leaves alot to be desired, and I'm wondering if it's the best place for it once my heating fires up for winter. It has decided that the best place to sleep is on a door frame that I would prefer not to leave open until Spring! Wondering if any one could advise best method of relocating it with out doing it any harm, and also advise a more suitable location.

Thanks in advance
Wallace.

Post by **Pete Eeles** » Tue Sep 26, 2006 9:19 pm

Hi Wallace - and welcome!

What you have here is a Small Tortoiseshell, one of several species that hibernate. These critters generally find a dry, cool and secluded spot to hibernate.

Since the "cool" criterion will shortly be missing

I suggest that you wait for a mild spell on a sunny day and let this individual loose. I'm confident that it will find a more suitable place to hibernate.

Cheers,

- Pete