Expected this little guy to spend the winter in his chrysalis, but he had other ideas. The problem is, it's in the mid 50's with a steady wind of 20+ mph outside. I grabbed the only flower left in the gardens and put out some fruit but he doesn't seem interested in feeding yet. He is inside a hamper on the dining room table in the sunshine for now. What do I do with him when his wings dry out and he's ready to go flitting about? Do I put him outside?
Thanks for your help.
Barb
Blanket flowers...yummy. Most butterflies aren't interested in eating when they first eclose so I wouldn't worry to much about that. Temps in the 50s are fine but I would wait until the wind calms down. Then, set him in the sun where he can bask. Once he warms up he'll fly away and be fine.
Melanie
Thanks, Melanie! I was afraid no one was going to give me an idea of how to best help him. Yesterday afternoon I put him outside on the Guara, but he just hung there until sunset so I brought him back in. It is 43° out now and the wind is calmer, so I will wait until it warms up to at least 50° and put him back out.
Thanks again.
Barb
No problem! I've had Polydamas Swallowtails that keep coming out, and they don't always choose the best time. I've also had some Zebra STs, too. I set one in the sun about 2pm one day thinking he would warm up and zoom off, but when I left for work the next morning he was still where I left him! I would have hidden him better if I knew he wasn't going to fly away. Mom saw him take off later in the morning when it warmed up so he was okay. You may just want to check yours every now and then to see that he warms up and flies off.
Melanie
