A peacock butterfly can live up to two years. Consequently, it must survive two winters unscathed. But where does the local noble butterfly go to hibernate when it's storming and snowing outside? Can he find refuge in our home?

In winter, peacock butterflies flee into the warmth

Escape from the frost

The habitat of this species of butterflies extends throughout Europe and Asia, except for the northern regions. Where the winters are frosty, the peacock butterfly needs a protective hiding place. In the wild, for example, this can be a cave or a hole in a tree trunk. If human dwellings are not far away, they too are accepted as winter quarters. Such as:

  • garage
  • basement, cellar
  • attic
  • staircase
  • garden shed

A hibernating butterfly

If you discover a peacock butterfly in your four walls, it will probably cling to a wall, motionless. The butterfly goes into hibernation at temperatures below 12 °C. Just leave the butterfly alone. The hibernation does not end until March, when the first nectar of the year lures it into the garden. Then a small window should be open so that he can get out.

early awakening

If the butterfly strays into a warm room and can't get out, it is threatened with death. It flaps around, consuming energy but finding no food. This also applies if you bring the peacock butterfly into a warm room with good intentions.

The noble butterfly must find a cool, but frost-free quarters as quickly as possible. Do not release the butterfly outside when the temperature is below zero. It will probably die before it finds new shelter.

Save the butterfly

  1. Get a small cardboard box.
  2. Cut a small hole for the butterfly to fit through. It has a wingspan of about 50mm. Through the hole he can leave the box in spring. But first the hole has to remain closed until spring.
  3. Catch the butterfly carefully.
  4. Move the box to a spot ideal for its wintering.
  5. In harsh winters, make sure that the temperature in the hibernation quarters does not fall below 0 °C.
  6. As soon as it gets warmer outside, the room must also offer an opening to leave.

tips

If you have taken a liking to the colorful species of butterflies, you may also dare to breed some yourself. Get caterpillars from BUND or a butterfly breeder.

Category:

Animals in the garden