Butterfly Hibernation

    Hello,

    So I have (and going to have) some hibernating butterflies. They include- Nymphalis antiopa, vaulbum, Polygonia comma, progne, Aglais io, and Vanessa atalanta.

    I have gotten some conflicting information on V. atalanta. Either it hibernates or it doesn’t. Where I live, winter can get below 0 in January. Would this be too cold for any of the previously mentioned species? I was thinking of keeping them in the garage where it’s 15-20 degrees warmer.

    I am not familiar with hibernating live butterflies so if anyone has information, it would be gladly appreciated.

    Thank you,

    Ethan

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    Here in Europe one can find hibernated io or urticae as well as Rhamni in Spring, they survive in Garages and parts of your house which isn´t heated.

    So maybe you keep them cool, 1 or 2 dresgrees, and don´t disturb them as this will cost energy.

    Anyway I do not know how the percentage is which survive on your roof. Just try .Spraying a little water won't hurt, but not too often. If they survive, they are very hungry.

    Joachim

    I feed them a lot of banana and other high sugar fruits and also honey. Would this be enough calories to survive? Also, would you recommend feeding say every 2 weeks to stay healthy? Usually, you can find Nymphalis spp and Polygonia hiding in wood/ garages.

    Hello Ethan,

    P comma, A io and even V atalanta hibernates in northern Germany, where I live. During winter, it could be freezing cold, say -15 to -20*C. Your garage may be to warm. Your butterflies may wake up repeatedly and starve to death or wake up early in spring. A sheltered place outside may be better.

    Good luck

    Hello Holger,

    I’m afraid we’re I live, lows could be in -26 degrees C. My garage isn’t heated but it’s sheltered. Plus, The heating from inside would keep it a constant 10 degrees warmer. It’s also a dark place. I would bring them in around mid-March.

    I had few losses due to unsuitable temperatur, humidity, etc. Once, c. 150 hibernating peakocks were taken by tricky tits. On another occasion 50 map butterflies were lost to an ant raid. Many insects attract many predators.

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