Despite their small size, butterflies are some of the World's most
wondrous animals. Their beauty, seemingly miraculous metamorphosis,
and apparently carefree flight all spark our imaginations.
Butterflies are bright-colored objects in our environment.
They are believed to be free spirits in their flight and lack any
constraints. They are also thought of as harmless, innocent
creatures.Butterflies are found during the warmer months of the
year in many different environments. In most places, May to August
are the best months, and you will do well looking in sunny exposed
places with low plants. Many national parks, wildlife refuges,
or other wild places are usually rich in butterfly species. Your
local city or county park may have planted a butterfly garden to
attract butterflies in the summer or you may want to visit the
nearest insect zoo or butterfly house where hundreds of living
exotic insects and butterflies are on display.
Medium to large butterflies can be safely handled and released by
persons who know how to do it. Any butterfly can be fatally damaged
by being handled improperly. For example, the vein on the front wing
if broken will cause the butterfly to be flightless evermore. Their
internal organs can be injured. Although the loss of some wing
scales does not harm the butterfly, we prefer not to see butterflies
in butterfly conservatories with thumb prints on their wings.
To raise a caterpillar through the chrysalis stage to the adult
butterfly is an excellent lesson about insect metamorphosis.
All you need is a caterpillar, some of its favored food, and a
suitable container. You can find caterpillars on most plants
during the spring and early summer. Put the caterpillar and a
few fresh leaves in a wide mouth jar or plastic shoebox. Cover the
jar mouth with netting or a piece of nylon. Every day change the
leaves and provide dry paper towels to help prevent mold. You can
put in pencil-size twigs upon which the caterpillar can attach its
chrysalis (with the pupa inside). The insect will hatch in 10-14
days, if it does not over winter. Before releasing it you can
photograph your prize.
Make
Tissue Paper Butterflies
They can bring a burst of color to your decor with bright butterfly display pieces. Great to fill large open spaces
with a vibrant touch.
Fan fold tissue paper about 1" folds add tie in the middle
with a pipe cleaner and then unfold the wings. Hang from
the ceiling to create a flurry of butterfly activity.
