Butterflies Overwintering

As the noon sun drops lower in the sky and the days shorten a few of our butterfly species seek shelter from the coming winter storms and falling temperatures. So if you spot any butterflies fluttering about the knotholes, cracks or crevices of trees or rocky bluffs you'll know what they're up to.

Comma

Photo by Jim Jung All rights reserved.

While most of our species either migrate out of the area (Monarchs) or die (most of the rest) a few species have managed to evolve the peculiar biochemistry required to survive near-freezing temperatures and survive - notably the Question Mark, Mourning Cloak and Comma Butterflies. By doing so they manage to get a jump on competing species the following spring and get first choice of egg-laying sites and succulent new growth for their babies.

Hollow logs and trees, dry rocky crevices in bluffs, large brush piles, leaf piles, gaps in house siding - in fact anywhere that remains just above freezing and is relatively dry - is suitable habitat for our overwintering species. Unfortunately most commercial butterfly houses are not - at least in our climate.

Question Mark

Photo © 2006 Jim Jung All rights reserved.

Offsite link:

• National Wildlife Federation directions for building a brush shelter for all wildlife, including butterflies.

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