Please see our blog post for more details: https://monarchbutterflies.ca/butterflies-for-release/warm-weather-release/

Please see our blog post for that goes over this information in detail: https://monarchbutterflies.ca/blog/butterflies-for-release/

Please find a direct link to our Blog Post for full the full instructions: https://monarchbutterflies.ca/butterflies-for-release/transfer-of-butterflies-for-mass-release/

No, we do not offer any other insects besides monarchs and painted ladies. Our focus is on providing experiences centered around these two beautiful butterfly species. We take pride in offering monarch and painted lady butterfly kits, as well butterflies for release including various related products and services to enhance your butterfly-raising and releasing experiences.

Monarchs and painted ladies are popular choices due to their accessibility, adaptability, and significance in butterfly conservation efforts. Both species are known for their fascinating life cycles, captivating colors, and their ability to bring joy and wonder to people of all ages.

We currently operate as an online store and do not offer orders for pick up. All orders must be placed through our secure online platform on our website.

Our seamless online ordering process allows you to browse through our diverse range of butterfly-related products, including live butterflies for release, butterfly rearing kits, butterfly frames and more. Once you have selected the items you desire, simply add them to your cart and proceed to checkout.

During checkout, you will provide your shipping address, and we will take care of the rest. We entrust the reliable services of Canada Post to ship your order directly to your designated location, ensuring safe and timely delivery.

We understand that some customers may prefer to pick up their orders in person for various reasons. However, at this time, we are unable to make an exception to our shipping policy, as it enables us to efficiently serve customers across different regions.

The Painted Lady artificial diet, also known as caterpillar food or rearing diet, is a specially formulated mixture designed to provide all the essential nutrients and sustenance required for the healthy growth and development of Painted Lady caterpillars.

The exact composition of the artificial diet can vary depending on the manufacturer or supplier, but it typically includes a combination of the following ingredients:

1. Soy Protein: Soy protein is a rich source of essential amino acids, providing the caterpillars with the necessary building blocks for their growth.
2. Sucrose or Sugar: Sweeteners like sucrose or sugar serve as a source of carbohydrates, providing energy for the caterpillars.
3. Minerals and Vitamins: The diet is fortified with various minerals and vitamins to ensure the caterpillars receive a balanced and complete nutritional profile.
4. Gelling Agents: Gelling agents, such as agar or gelatin, are used to solidify the diet into a gel-like consistency, making it easier for the caterpillars to consume.
5. Water: Water is an essential component of the artificial diet, providing hydration for the caterpillars.
6. Preservatives: Some diets may include preservatives to extend the shelf life and maintain freshness.

It’s important to note that the artificial diet is carefully formulated to mimic the nutritional content of the caterpillars’ natural food source, which is usually plant material like leaves. The artificial diet ensures that the caterpillars receive a balanced and nutritious diet, supporting their healthy development until they pupate and eventually emerge as adult Painted Lady butterflies.

If you are using a specific Painted Lady kit or rearing system, the ingredients and instructions for preparing the artificial diet should be provided with the kit. Always follow the provided guidelines to ensure the best care for the caterpillars during their growth and metamorphosis.

Feeding adult butterflies is an essential aspect of butterfly care, especially if you are raising them in a butterfly net cage or habitat. Adult butterflies primarily feed on nectar, which provides them with the necessary energy and nutrients for their activities and survival.

Here are some options for feeding adult butterflies:

1. Sugar Water: Prepare a solution of 1 part sugar (or honey) to 9 parts water. Soak a cotton ball or sponge in the sugar water and place it inside the butterfly net cage for the butterflies to feed on.
2. Gatorade/Vitamin Water: You can also use Gatorade or vitamin water as an alternative to sugar water. These beverages can provide additional electrolytes and nutrients for the butterflies.
3. Fresh Fruits: Offer fresh cut fruits such as watermelon, cantaloupe, or squashed grapes to the butterflies. Place the fruit pieces on a dish or plate inside the cage.
4. Organic Flowers: If available, you can place organic flowers inside the butterfly net cage. Ensure that the flowers are free from any chemicals or pesticides, as these can be harmful to the butterflies.
5. Brush Method: Use a soft brush against the fine mesh of the cage, allowing the butterflies to access the nectar on the brush bristles.

It’s essential to regularly provide fresh and clean food sources for the butterflies to maintain their health and well-being. Ensure that any food or flowers you offer are free from chemicals and predators to prevent harm to the butterflies.

Releasing butterflies in unfavorable weather conditions, such as rain or cold temperatures, can be concerning for their well-being. It’s essential to consider the safety of the butterflies before releasing them. Here are some guidelines for releasing butterflies during adverse weather:

1. Rainy Weather:

• If it is currently raining or about to rain, it’s best to postpone the butterfly release. Butterflies are delicate creatures, and rain can damage their fragile wings and make it challenging for them to fly properly.
• Wait for the rain to stop and the weather to clear up before releasing the butterflies. If the rain is expected to continue for an extended period, consider waiting until the next suitable day for the release.

2. Cold Temperatures:

• Butterflies are cold-blooded creatures, and their ability to fly and function depends on their body temperature. In cold temperatures, butterflies may become sluggish and unable to fly.
• If the weather is cold and the butterflies appear lethargic, it’s best to wait for warmer conditions to release them. Placing the butterflies in a sunny and sheltered spot can help them warm up before flight.
• Avoid releasing butterflies on very chilly or frosty days, as it may endanger their survival.

3. Butterfly Habitat or Enclosure:

• If you have a butterfly habitat or enclosure, such as a butterfly net cage, you can consider releasing the butterflies inside it. This provides them with a controlled environment where they can safely acclimate before flying away.

Releasing butterflies individually is a wonderful and memorable experience. Our butterflies come individually packaged for safe shipping and transport, making it easy to release them one at a time.

What is the process for a single butterfly release?

Here are the steps to do a single butterfly release:

1. Prepare the Butterflies: Ensure that the butterflies are at the appropriate temperature for release. If they were shipped to you, let them acclimate to the surrounding temperature for about 30 minutes to an hour before releasing.
2. Choose the Release Area: Select a suitable outdoor location for the release. The area should be open and free from obstacles to allow the butterflies to fly freely.
3. Handle the Butterflies Gently: Carefully open the individual butterfly packages. Gently lift a butterfly out of its container, taking care not to touch its wings, as they are fragile.
4. Let the Butterfly Rest: Allow the butterfly to rest on your hand or a flat surface. Give it a moment to warm up and become more active.
5. Release the Butterfly: When the butterfly is ready, gently lift your hand or allow it to take flight from the flat surface. The butterfly will usually fly away on its own once it feels ready.
6. Observe the Release: Watch as the butterfly soars into the sky. It’s a beautiful moment to appreciate the wonder of nature and the lifecycle of these amazing creatures.
7. Repeat the Process: If you have more butterflies to release, repeat the process for each one, giving them ample time to acclimate and fly away.

We have extensive information available on our blog to guide you through various aspects of butterfly releases, including cold weather release, warm weather release, mass release, feeding, caring, storing, and more.

For detailed instructions and helpful tips on organizing a successful mass butterfly release, we encourage you to visit our blog. You will find step-by-step guides, best practices, and important considerations to ensure a memorable and responsible event.

Our blog is a valuable resource for butterfly enthusiasts and event organizers, providing comprehensive information to make your butterfly release a remarkable experience. Whether you are planning a special celebration, an educational event, or a conservation initiative, our blog posts are designed to assist you in every aspect of the butterfly release process.