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Butterfly Garden

How cold is too cold?

15 years ago

Hi! I live in Florida Zone 9B. We have been having extremely cold weather this winter. I have brought many catterpillars into the house to keep them warm. A monarch just hatched this morning. Usually I just release them outside as soon as they are able to fly. I am arfaid to do that today, we are expecting freezing tempatures tonight. I put a vase in with zinnias, cosmos and a little lantanna in case my friend gets hungry. My question is this, does anyone what temp butterflies can withstand? Do you think he will survive in my bathroom with the flowers for a few days until it warms up?

Thanks for reading!

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Comments (5)

mechelle_m
15 years ago
Hi Scottrell! As long as the temps are above 55 degrees and it is sunny outside, the butterflies should be able to fend for themselves. They do like to find places to get out of the weather, a woodpile for when it is raining, not sure what they do when it is too cold, but I have seen them out in the yard the morning after a cold night, once the temps rise above 55.

As to keeping it inside: as long as there is room for the butterfly to fly around without damaging its wings, I don't know why it wouldn't be okay to keep it inside until it warms up. Good luck!

Mechelle
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scottrell
Original Author
15 years ago
Thanks!
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saturniidaebreeder
15 years ago
Freezing 32 degrees in Florida zone 9!? Screw global warming... global freezing!
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scottrell
Original Author
15 years ago
I let my monarch friend out today, such a cute boy. He went right for the mexican flame vine. Sometimes I feel like a proud Mama!

Global freezing is right! It has not gotten that cold here for some fifty plus years! (Thats what I heard anyway)It is supposed to warm back up this weekend.

My DH will be so happy, I took all my cats back to the screened porch. I don't know why anyone wouldn't want cats in the bathroom? LOL!
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CRAZYLAZYBORED_LIVE_COM
13 years ago
I JUST PLANTED SOME ZIANNAS OUTSIDE TO COME BACK IN AND FIND OUT THAT ITS GOING TO BE ABOUT 32 TONITE...*SIGH* DOES ANYONE KNOW IF IT WILL BE TOO COLD FOR THEM??
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