I didn't realize butterfly farming is big business. Here's a interesting bf farmer and author, Rick Mikula.
Here are his web sites:
http://www.holeinhand.com/
http://butterflywebsite.com/
Butterfly Farming
Those are interesting websites with a look at another side of butterfly raising. While butterfly releases seem like fun, though, not all 'authorities' are behind the idea.
Apparently there are some differences of opinions about whether Butterfly Farming and marketing is a 'good thing' for the environment because it introduces out of area butterflies (with possible contagions) into a possibly not appropriate area. Or, worse, something like the cabbage white butterfly introduction into this country which caused all manner of havoc with the ag industry. Or butterflies are released which cannot survive in the foreign climate,
If I'm not mistaken several states have restrictions on which BFs can be imported into their states. Even some of the live butterly 'exhibits' at natural history museums have come under criticism because strange butterflies escape and then colonize.
It seems like NABA is generally against Butterfly Farming, but other lepidopterist, scientists and naturalists are not opposed to it.
I don't really know what is the best route although I am sure others have strong opinions--- I just thought I would mention that there are different philosophies about the butterfly farms. Interesting websites, though.
I agree tobasco, there needs to be restrictions. With Rick being a recognized Lep lecturer, I am assuming he raises species native to this country, but I guess who really knows. The same concerns are with other insects that are farmed and can be purchased, such as praying mantis.
I've heard and read the Monarch may soon be endangered and it's neat that there are people, that love them as much as I do, making a career of keeping them around.
fly_girl-- do you have a career in butterfly raising?
Oh no, just a new hobby.
Oh my, I couldn't imagine a "career" in raising them! It's stressful just making sure I have enough food for the few broods I get! LOL!
I haven't had time to look thru those sights but have heard all those cons that Tabasco mentioned. I think the concerns are very valid.
I too just try to do a little here in my own backyard to help. :)
LOL KB! I have problem feeding my 20, and I just found a bunch of little tiny ones. It would take an army to raise hundreds for release at weddings. I wonder what kind of setup he has.... he would have to keep the eggs separate, and the little ones separate from the bigger ones....it would be quite an endeavor.