Welcome To Our General FAQs

Welcome to our FAQ page, where we provide answers to some of the most frequently asked questions we receive about raising and releasing monarch butterflies. To help you find the information you need, we’ve organized our FAQs into specific categories related to our online store, products, and other services.

For more detailed information about each topic, be sure to visit our blog, where you’ll find a wealth of resources on butterfly care and conservation. And if you can’t find the answer you’re looking for, or have a question we haven’t addressed, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us at info@monarchbutterflies.ca. We’re always happy to help!

Do you ship outside of Canada?

No, we only ship within Canada. However, if you’re interested in having our small or large net cages shipped outside of Canada—currently the only product we can ship internationally where permitted—please email our team at info@monarchbutterflies.ca. Include your full shipping address and the quantity you’d like, and they’ll be happy to assist you.

I have collected milkweed seeds and would love to send them to you to share with others who may need them. Could you let me know the best way to send them?

Thank you for your kindness in wanting to share your milkweed seeds! These seeds are essential, as milkweed is the only host plant and food source for monarch caterpillars. To arrange the shipping of your collected seeds, please email our team at info@monarchbutterflies.ca for instructions on where to send the seeds. If you’d like us to include your name or any specific details when we pass along your seeds, just let us know.

My pupa / chrysalis has fallen, not attached to the paper liner / needs to be moved.

Sometimes, the pupa might not attach fully to the paper liner. It may be attached to the cup lid, stuck to the side of the cup, lying directly on the food, positioned too close to another pupa, or simply laying on the bottom. In these cases, gentle handling may be needed to carefully place the pupa in a safer position.

As demonstrated in our instructional video and detailed in the written instructions found on our website, carefully transfer the pupa to the corner of the net cage. By positioning it there, you create a stable environment for the pupa to complete its development. Once the butterfly emerges, it will naturally climb up the side of the net cage. This allows the butterfly to extend and dry its wings, preparing for its first flight. Make sure to handle the pupa with clean hands and avoid excessive movement, as jostling can disturb the developing butterfly inside. Proper placement and minimal handling ensure a smooth and healthy hatching process.

Are able to ship your kits or butterflies for release between late October and early April? Are you able to make any exceptions?

Unfortunately, we’re unable to ship our butterfly kits or butterflies for release outside the time frames listed on our ordering page. For complete details, please refer to the “Shipping Time” tab on each product page. Shipping times are subject to availability, weather, and seasonal factors, and we’re unable to accommodate exceptions once our season has concluded or availability is limited. Please note that we are unable to ship between late October and early April. (This timeframe may vary by kit or product; please review the “Shipping Time” tab for specifics, as no exceptions can be made.) However, you are welcome to place an order in advance for the available shipping periods listed on each product’s ordering page.

Do I need to mist my butterfly pupae with water?

Misting butterfly pupae with water is generally not necessary and can sometimes do more harm than good. Butterfly pupae do not need to be hydrated in the same way as caterpillars or adult butterflies. They get all the moisture they need from the process of metamorphosis itself.

However, if the environment where you’re keeping the pupae is very dry (like indoors with artificial heating), a light misting can help maintain a more humid environment. Here’s how to do it safely:

  1. Light misting: If you decide to mist, do so sparingly. Use a fine mist spray bottle and mist once a day from a distance to avoid over-wetting the pupae. Over-watering can cause mold or harm the developing butterfly.
  2. Timing: Mist in the morning so the environment has time to dry out. Never spray directly onto the pupae.
  3. Check conditions: Ensure the habitat maintains a humidity level of around 60-80%, depending on the species.

If the air feels too dry but you’re unsure about misting, placing a damp sponge in the enclosure can also help maintain humidity without directly wetting the pupae.

How do I release by butterflies on a warm or cold day?

Please see our blog post for more details: Warm Weather & Cold Weather Release

How do I feed my butterflies?

Please see our blog post for that goes over this information in detail: How to Feed your Butterflies: A Simple Guide

How do you do a Mass Butterfly Release?

Please find a direct link to our Blog Post for full the full instructions: Transfer of Butterflies for Mass Release

Where can I find your Caterpillar – Build a Painted Lady Butterfly Raising Kit Instructions/Video?

For comprehensive written instructions and accompanying video, please refer to our blog post. Caterpillar – Build a Painted Lady Butterfly Raising Kit Instructions

I have not received my package or have received a damage package, what should I do?

For the latest information on your order, feel free to reach out to Canada Post through their toll-free number at 1 800 267 7651. Additionally, you can monitor the tracking status by Clicking Here.

Feel free to contact our team at info@monarchbutterflies.ca to address any concerns about your package. By sending us an email, we can initiate a ticket on your behalf. Canada Post will subsequently reach out to you regarding your claim for further details. The claims will be reviewed and processed in accordance with Canada Post’s terms and conditions which can be accessed by Clicking Here. Rest assured, once we receive an update, we will promptly notify you via email.

Still have a question, fill in the form below and someone from our team will get back to you.
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