How are the Butterflies Shipped?

After they are fed and exercised, the butterflies are put in individual envelopes and carefully packaged with styrofoam peanuts for cushioning during the shipping process. In hot weather, an ice pack is taped to the bottom of the container and covered with a false bottom. The butterflies are sent Fed Ex priority overnight for delivery the next morning. Make sure someone will be there to receive the butterflies when they are delivered.

Will Any of them Die?

Only fresh, young butterflies will be shipped. They are carefully packaged and if you follow the directions included in the package, you won't have a problem with butterflies not flying when the envelopes are opened. Butterflies do expire sometimes no matter how you care for them. If you're dealing with a quality breeder that ships carefully, and you follow the care instructions, your butterflies should be just fine.

The butterflies are kept cool and in a restful state inside the envelopes. They have enough oxygen and can live up to four days in the envelope as long as they are kept cool. While in transit, they are in a reduced metabolic state and are not stressed at all. It does not hurt the butterflies or harm them in any way.

How Do I Care for Them?

Immediately put the box in a cool, dark place like a closet shelf or basement. Make sure they are not in direct sun, and not too cold, either. A closet is usually cool and quiet for them. Don't unwrap them or disturb them. You may hear little scratching noises, and this is the sound of their feet inside the envelopes. Don't worry, they are not in distress. An hour or so before the scheduled release, take the box out of the closet and let it warm up a bit, but not in direct sun. The butterflies will be more active if they are warmed to room temperature at least, making the release more energetic.

Good Conditions For
Release

Release the butterflies during the daytime, at least one hour before dusk so they will have time to find nectar plants and a place to roost for the night. Temperatures must be above 60 degrees F. Do not release butterflies on a cold or windy day. Only release them outdoors!

The butterflies will fly during a light, misting rain. If it's too cold or it is a driving rain, display butterflies in net cages, and release when the weather clears.

Photographing Butterflies

You might want to take a few of the butterflies in their envelopes and place them in a refrigerator for 20 minutes, just before the photographer takes the group pictures. Get your group arranged for the photograph. Then, take the butterflies out of their envelopes and position them quickly. You have approximately 30 to 60 seconds to take the photograph before the butterflies fly away! They will stay still, right where you put them for this brief time. Cooling them does not hurt them, but slows down their metabolic rate for a short period of time.

Memorial Poems

It is a nice touch to any occasion to read a short poem or story that ties the symbolism of butterflies to your event. See our Poems page for some ideas.