It is not recommended to place painted lady and monarchs in the same cage due to their different habitat preferences and dietary needs. Keeping different butterfly species together increases the risk of disease transmission and complicates their hatching, release and more, so it’s best to provide separate enclosures that cater to the specific needs of each species.

In general, the season typically begins around the end of April and lasts until late September or, in some cases, early October. The exact timing can vary depending on regional weather conditions and climate variations during the year. Additionally, the start and end of the season may differ based on the specific type of insect you are raising or releasing, your location, local availability and more. To get more detailed information, visit the ordering page on our website and check the “Shipping Time” tab.

Attempting to ship caterpillar or release butterflies outside of this seasonal window can lead to serious problems. The insects may not survive due to cold temperatures, insufficient food sources in the wild, or other environmental challenges. Our shipping for some of our services starts in April and concludes by late September or early October to align with conditions that maximize the survival and well-being of the butterflies. After this period, we cannot fulfill orders, as we prioritize the health and safety of the insects by only shipping them during suitable weather conditions and also do not operate outside these timelines and close for the season.

You will receive a tracking number once we begin the shipment process for your order. If you placed an order in advance for a future delivery date, you will not receive a tracking number until we generate the shipping label. For example, if you ordered in February for a June delivery, the tracking number will be provided closer to the June shipping timeline, not in February or shortly afterward.

Before your order ships, you’ll receive an email notification—please check your spam or junk folder if you don’t see it. To ensure you receive all updates, add our email addresses, info@monarchbutterflies.ca and noreply@monarchbutterflies.ca, to your contacts. Tracking details will follow once your order is in transit.

If your school or organization blocks emails, consider the following steps:

Use an Alternative Email: If possible, use a personal email account that is not subject to your school’s or organization’s restrictions to communicate.

Contact IT Support: Reach out to your school or organization’s IT support team to inquire about the issue. They may be able to whitelist specific email addresses or domains.

Check Spam/Junk Folders: Sometimes, emails may be filtered into your spam or junk folder. Be sure to check there for any missed messages

Inform our Team: If you were expecting an important email, let the us know about the situation so our team members can consider alternative ways to reach you.

No, as long as your have a clean and suitable net cage you do not need to order one. As indicated on our website the option of adding a net cage is optional.

To proceed, please place a new order and select your desired payment method during the checkout process. Note that we are unable to send direct payment requests; therefore, a new order must be created to accommodate your payment preferences.

To learn more about our services and products, please visit the ordering page for the specific service or product you are interested in, as it contains a wealth of information. Here, you can find an FAQ section, detailed descriptions, helpful links, and much more. We encourage you to review this information to better understand our offerings.

To make changes to your order, please email our team with your order information at info@monarchbutterflies.ca. please note that all changes must be requested via email and cannot be processed over the phone. Once your request is received, a team member will respond accordingly to assist you further.

If any specials are available, you can find them directly on our website. Otherwise, we recommend signing up for our newsletter to receive the latest coupons, discounts, and promotions.

We are unable to provide shipping costs or rates via email or phone as they will vary based on your selections. Our team members via email or over the phone will provide you the following to best assist you.

To check shipping costs, including taxes and the price of the items ordered, simply add your desired items to your shopping cart and proceed to checkout. Before submitting your payment, you will see the total cost, including shipping, which may vary based on your selections, shipping region, and other factors.

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.

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

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

Please find a direct link to our Blog Post for full the full instructions: 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.

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.

All butterfly orders are shipped with Canada Post using Expedited, XpressPost or Priority shipping based on your selection. We use insulated containers with ice packs to keep the butterflies dormant (in a sleep-like state) as butterflies hibernate when they are cold and it is dark. It is the most natural, humane and safest method to ship butterflies. Please visit our blog to see more on care, release, storing your butterflies and more.

We take utmost care in ensuring the safe and humane shipping of butterflies for your order. Here’s how the butterflies arrive:

1. Shipping Method: We use Canada Post for shipping all butterfly orders. Depending on your location and preference, we offer both Expedited and XpressPost shipping options.
2. Insulated Containers: To ensure the butterflies’ well-being during transit, we use insulated containers. These containers help regulate temperature and protect the butterflies from extreme conditions.
3. Ice Packs: Inside the insulated containers, we place ice packs to keep the butterflies in a dormant state. This sleep-like state is similar to hibernation, which is a natural condition for butterflies when they are cold and in the dark.
4. Humane and Safe: Shipping butterflies in a dormant state is the most natural, humane, and safest method. It minimizes stress on the butterflies and allows them to stay comfortably dormant until they reach their destination.
5. Unpacking and Care: Once you receive the shipment, carefully unpack the butterflies and follow our provided instructions for care and release. Properly acclimate the butterflies to their new environment before releasing them.

For more detailed information on caring for your butterflies, tips for a successful release, and guidance on storing butterflies, please visit our blog. We strive to provide comprehensive resources to ensure you have a positive and rewarding experience with these beautiful creatures.

We understand that caring for and releasing butterflies is a special and meaningful experience. To provide you with comprehensive guidance on this topic, we have a variety of blog posts available on our website.

Please visit our blog section, where you will find detailed information on how to care for butterflies and conduct a successful release. Our blog covers various aspects of butterfly care, including:

1. Butterfly Care: Learn how to handle and care for butterflies upon their arrival. Discover best practices to ensure their well-being and health during their stay.
2. Feeding Butterflies: Find tips on how to provide nourishment to the butterflies, including options for sugar water, fruit, and nectar.
3. Release Preparations: Prepare for a beautiful butterfly release with guidelines on timing, weather considerations, and suitable locations.
4. Mass Butterfly Release: If you’re planning a mass release event, our blog offers detailed instructions and suggestions for organizing a remarkable experience.
5. Post-Release Tips: Learn what to do after the release to promote butterfly conservation and continue supporting these wonderful creatures.
6. Various Articles: Discover a wealth of knowledge by exploring our diverse range of articles on our blog. Delve deeper into the world of butterflies, their care, and the art of releasing these magnificent creatures. Our blog is a treasure trove of valuable information, offering insights on butterfly care, feeding, release preparations, and much more. Whether you’re a butterfly enthusiast, organizing a special event, or simply curious about these fascinating insects, our blog has something to offer for everyone. Immerse yourself in the captivating world of butterflies and gain a deeper understanding of how to nurture and cherish these delicate beings. Uncover the secrets to conducting a successful and memorable butterfly release. Our blog is a valuable resource, designed to enhance your butterfly experience and promote conservation efforts. Embark on an enriching journey by visiting our blog today!

Butterflies for release are available during our seasonal period, which typically starts in May and continues until September each year, weather permitting.

During this period, we carefully cultivate and raise butterflies, ensuring they are healthy and ready for release. The availability of butterflies is dependent on various factors, including weather conditions and the specific species being raised. Please see the ordering page for full details.

As the season begins, we encourage you to explore our offerings and place your orders in advance to secure your preferred date for the butterfly release.

We understand that sometimes plans come together at the last minute, and we do our best to accommodate short notice orders. However, please be aware that having butterflies available for immediate shipping is subject to several factors, and we cannot guarantee their availability at all times.

Our team is committed to making your butterfly experience enjoyable and memorable, but certain circumstances such as environmental conditions, climate, and shipping delays may impact the readiness of butterflies for immediate release.

To check availability and explore options, we encourage you to place an order on our website. Once we receive your order, a team member will promptly contact you via email to discuss shipping options and availability.

If we are unable to fulfill your request due to unforeseen circumstances, we will offer alternative solutions or the option to cancel and receive a refund. Our goal is to work closely with you to find the best possible solution for your butterfly release needs.

For the best chance of securing butterflies for your desired date, we recommend placing orders in advance whenever possible. This allows us ample time to prepare and ensure a successful butterfly release for your special occasion. To learn more please visit the ordering page for full details and our process.