When should I release my butterflies?Updated 5 months ago

You may release your butterflies as early as an hour after emergence, or if you wish to observe them we advise no longer than 3 days.  Please look ahead at your local weather so you can plan for the best time to let them go.

• Like all insects, butterflies are cold-blooded.  On cooler days, butterflies must warm their flight muscles in a sunny spot before they can fly.  If a butterfly has to sit still for too long, it may be vulnerable to a predator.
• Release your butterflies when daytime temperatures are at least 12 degree Celsius.  Butterflies need this warmth to fly, feed, mate and pollinate.
• If it is raining on your release day, release your butterflies in a dry spell, or in a sheltered spot such as under a tree or shrub.  In nature they have to cope with these conditions and will naturally seek shelter.
• You can release your butterflies anywhere! Whether it's your garden, local park, or just outside your front door - don't worry the Painted Lady is a migrating butterfly and can fly thousands of miles to find food if required.
• If a butterfly has deformed wings, you can release the butterfly under a shrub for some protection, where it can still crawl around, feed and mate, alternatively keep it in the habitat for the duration of its life.  Make the habitat homely with some twigs and flowers to crawl up and hide behind and feed the butterfly nectar or fresh fruit. It may live anything from a few days to a couple of months.