Planning ahead for your desired type of Butterfly Release 

Are you gearing up for a breathtaking butterfly release event? Whether it’s for a wedding, celebration, or a memorable gathering, here’s a guide to help you release these delicate creatures in a way that ensures their well-being and provides a mesmerizing experience for all.

If you have placed an order for Butterflies For Release, the following information is relevant to you. The instructions provide various approaches for releasing butterflies, whether by transferring them into the net cage or mass release box from the triangular envelopes they arrive in, or alternatively, releasing the butterflies one by one from the triangular envelopes.

If you would like to place an order for Butterflies For Release Click Here

Using a Butterfly Net Cage

Transfer Tips: During your initial order, we offer Small Net Cages and Large Net Cages for purchase. If you purchased a net cage, gently transfer the butterflies from shipping envelopes into the cage, urging them to the sides for a smooth transition. 

Feeding and Placement: Once inside the display cage, consult our feeding instructions for butterflies by click on our Blog Post – How to Feed your Butterflies: A Simple Guide. Place the cage in a warm, sunny area (avoiding direct sunlight) to energize these graceful creatures.

Using a Box for A Mass Butterfly Release 

For the full Blog Post for a Mass Butterfly Release please see –  How to Transfer Butterflies for a Mass Release

Box Preparation: Place a paper towel on the bottom of a large box or net cage so the butterflies have something to hang onto. Hang one corner of the paper towel over the side of the box. Place a folded paper towel with nectar on it in the bottom of the box. Place another folded paper towel damp with water next to the nectar.

Transfer Tips: Try to keep the lid of the box adjusted so the butterflies cannot take flight from your hand while you are opening the envelope they are in. Perform the transfer in a dark, cool room, covering the box opening. If a butterfly takes flight, gently cup your hand over the butterfly and place it in the box. Gently open each envelope, one at a time into the box, guiding each butterfly towards the paper towel. When all butterflies have been placed inside the box, close the lid. The butterflies will rest for many hours in this box. 

Release: Prior to the release, place the box or net cage in an area of warmth for at least 30 minutes. However, pay close attention not to overheat the butterflies, as there may be no ventilation in your release box. Never place the box in direct sunlight.

Using Individual Release Envelopes (If Applicable)

Envelope Distribution: If you are releasing your butterflies from the triangular shipping envelopes, place the envelopes in a basket and distribute them to your friends and family from the basket.

Time for Flight: The envelopes are easily opened to release the butterfly. The butterflies must be warm enough to take flight. If they have not been warmed sufficiently, the butterflies may take a while to actually begin their flights. Allow them time to adjust before the magical moment unfolds.

Remember, creating a suitable environment for your butterflies is key to a successful and memorable release. Follow these guidelines, and you’ll ensure both the well-being of these enchanting creatures and a truly magical experience for everyone involved. For more detailed instructions, visit our FAQ or blog.

Depending on the notice provided with your order on how well in advance it is placed and paid for, we aim to ship your order in advance if possible. Generally, we only ship orders on Monday or the next business day, as we are unable to ship during holidays and weekends. The butterflies generally arrive in a single envelope for release or one glassine envelope containing two butterflies. Based on the notice provided and availability, we generally aim to fulfill all orders with one butterfly per envelope for safe shipping.

Once your butterflies arrive, within 48 hours of shipping from any of our locations, we recommend releasing them in an enclosure and feeding them. These instructions are part of the release process and care guidelines to ensure the well-being of your butterflies. Please note that this may result in a mass release of butterflies. While we aim to accommodate individual releases, this is not always possible due to feeding requirements, shipping duration, schedules, methods selected, order placement timing and other variables. If you require a single release, please email our team well in advance at info@monarchbutterflies.ca to see if we can accommodate your specific request.

For mass releases, we are unable to ship all butterflies in one release container, as they must be packaged in glassine or envelopes for safe transport. Upon arrival your butterflies can be transferred to a mass release enclosure/net cage.  We recommend that all orders should be placed with a net cage/enclosure. Although optional, we suggest selecting a net cage for every order as a requirement. For more information, visit our website, ordering page, blog post, helpful links, terms, and more.

Happy Butterfly Releasing! 🦋