Buying/Obtaining a Butterfly in November

[Korv]

Hi all,

I know this may seem like an odd question. But I was wondering whether any of you knew how I could buy or somehow get a butterfly towards the end of November. Am looking to do a release (Would it die from a release at that time of year?) I hope not. Thanks.

[Rogerdodge]

I really don't think you quite grasp this website at all.
The sort of activity you are talking about would not be looked on kindly by anyone who has a love for butterflies..

[Korv]

I apologise. I assume that there are no breeders? I also love butterflies! But this is for the girl that I love?

[Susie]

I'm curious. Why would you want to do that?

Edit: Ignore my post. You've answered the question.

[Rogerdodge]

Charming
Here you are darling - just to prove how much I love you I am going to kill some beautiful insects.

Buy her some flowerrs.

[Korv]

Hence why I asked whether it would die. I do not intend to kill it. I am unsure as to whether there are any butterflies that survive at that time of year. I've done flowers a hundred times.

[Korv]

What is the moral dilemma in taking a butterfly from captivity and releasing it into the wild? I assume there are a least a couple winter butterflies?

[David M]

There are no winter butterflies in the UK.

You could, if you wished (and this would be easy to do), breed and release Painted Ladies, but the release would have to be April at the earliest to give them a chance of survival.

Releasing butterflies in winter would be akin to a death sentence and highly irresponsible.

[Pete Eeles]

Hi all,

I know this may seem like an odd question. But I was wondering whether any of you knew how I could buy or somehow get a butterfly towards the end of November. Am looking to do a release (Would it die from a release at that time of year?) I hope not. Thanks.

There are, indeed, British butterflies which overwinter. However, none will be active in November and will be in a deep torpor waiting for next spring. And they need to remain inactive otherwise they'll burn up essential fat reserves trying to locate a decent place to re-hibernate (assuming they're actually warm enough to take to the wing).

Cheers,

- Pete

[Korv]

Thanks for the replies. I really don't want to release it if it's just going to die. What about something such as http://www.uksafari.com/nov_commas.htm

Or would an October release be better?

[David M]

Releasing adult Commas in early October is fine, but one would hope that the rearing has been done through July and August. It's too late too start that now as Commas do not hibernate as larvae or pupae; they hibernate as adults and the females will lay eggs to produce the next generation next spring.

[Susie]

Releasing a butterfly for your loved one is a very romantic gesture but I am sure she would prefer jewellery, probably diamonds.

[Rogerdodge]

or chocolate?

[Susie]

or chocolate?

Maybe, if you like yr women voluptuous. Lol

[Rogerdodge]

That would be me then.............

[Paul Wetton]

How about a diamond encrusted chocolate covered butterfly brooch.

[essexbuzzard]

I think one or two of you were perhaps being a bit harsh-we sound like an unfriendly bunch! Releasing a butterfly is a lovely thought,but please don't do it in late autumn or winter, for it's true, any adults released in November are unlikely to survive.
Cheers, Mark.