Small Tortoiseshell

[web4160]

Advice please.

A small tortoiseshell has taken up residence in my daughter's bedroom (Burnley Lancashire). It appears to be trying to hibernate. Given that the room is centrally heated, should we leave it, move it somewhere cooler such as the garage or shed or release it outside. The temperature was 1 c this morning with a frost!

[Pete Eeles]

Hi!

I'd recommend placing the critter outside on a sunny day, and let it find an alternative roosting site. These are normally cool but sheltered places, such as garages, barns, hollow trees etc.

I suspect that keeping it indoors will cause it to dry out too much, and ultimately die.

Cheers,

- Pete

[web4160]

Thanks for the advice. The butterfly seems to have taken it itself. Its left us!