Following Sandy Parshall's suggestion, I have put sugar water and a halved tangerine in the greenhouse near the butterfly.
As of Saturday afternoon, it was still alive.
The greenhouse is chilly, and the butterfly has not attempted to fly. But I've set it near food and water, for what it's worth. A brief life . . .
UPDATE: Sunday morning and poor butterfly is gone. As are the two tangerine halves. Somewhere mice are feasting.
4 comments:
It takes a bit for a butterfly's wings to harden after it leaves the cocoon, and you won't see much movement until that happens. Bu yes, the cold is a hazard. You are doing all you can.
I like the care you're giving that beauty. A short life but a merry one.
Ah, the circle of life continues. And Mr. Blacksnake might get an eye on a fat little mousie whenever he wakes from the cold!
Oh no. Just read your update about the butterfly's disappearance. I assume you've looked around on the floor for it. Sad but inevitable. Outdoors other cocoons are attached to plants, awaiting spring, and you will see them flying around your garden all summer.
Post a Comment