Painted Ladys!
Posted: Sun Aug 12, 2012 6:53 pm
Hello all, sorry if this is the wrong place, I did check through but couldn't find where would be appropriate. My mum brought my daughter the painted lady butterfly kit a few weeks ago. All five of the caterpillars successfully changed into beautiful painted lady's on Friday. It must of been at some point in the early morning as unfortunately we missed them changing. It’s such a fascinating process and hard to believe something like a caterpillar changes into a butterfly. The Hungry Caterpillar being a fav story of my daughters, when you actually have the transformation in front of you, it all becomes very real if that makes any sense?
Today we let them go and I still feel quite sad about it, I think I’m just worried in case they cannot find food and will have no idea where to rest for the night. And then of course if it rains as is predicted for this eve and tomorrow We let them go after 12.30 this afternoon after they had about half hour in the garden to warm in the sun but I was wary in case the rain that was promised this afternoon arrived. All five left and flew off pretty quick without hanging around! I wasn't too sure what kind of plants they liked so put some budlier(sp?) cuttings in the home they had and some fresh cut oranges. Also made up some sugar water. I now know after looking through this great site that they like thistle. so will be keeping that in mind for next time.
Looking after these have really opened my eyes to butterflies, more so than before. I shall be keeping my eyes pealed for butterflies on my travels although, I have to say I don't see as many about as I once did sadly.
I would like to get some more but was wondering if it maybe worth waiting until next year in getting them due to our very unpredictable weather? I know it may sound silly but I do worry about these things XD
Lisa
Today we let them go and I still feel quite sad about it, I think I’m just worried in case they cannot find food and will have no idea where to rest for the night. And then of course if it rains as is predicted for this eve and tomorrow We let them go after 12.30 this afternoon after they had about half hour in the garden to warm in the sun but I was wary in case the rain that was promised this afternoon arrived. All five left and flew off pretty quick without hanging around! I wasn't too sure what kind of plants they liked so put some budlier(sp?) cuttings in the home they had and some fresh cut oranges. Also made up some sugar water. I now know after looking through this great site that they like thistle. so will be keeping that in mind for next time.
Looking after these have really opened my eyes to butterflies, more so than before. I shall be keeping my eyes pealed for butterflies on my travels although, I have to say I don't see as many about as I once did sadly.
I would like to get some more but was wondering if it maybe worth waiting until next year in getting them due to our very unpredictable weather? I know it may sound silly but I do worry about these things XD
Lisa
