Butterflies Are Not Always Free
Why Purchase a Butterfly?
With the recently growing popularity of mass releasing butterflies at special events, butterfly farming is becoming a fast-growing industry. Butterflies are being farmed and sold for mass release at special events all over the country. They are becoming all the rage at weddings, used in place of rice, birdseed and bubbles, to wish the newlywed couple good luck and fertility. They are also being used at other events such as christenings, graduations and funerals. Seeing butterflies released en masse is a magical experience, one that will be remembered for years to come.
Where Can I Buy a Butterfly?
Butterfly farms are popping up all over the country. One such place is called, All a Flutter Farm. It is located in the Piedmont Triad area of North Carolina. They specialize in the farming of the Monarch butterfly. They not only sell butterflies but also provide tours and lessons about the beautiful creatures. You can visit them online at http://www.all-a-flutter.com. A quick search on an internet search engine will help you to locate others in your area.
How Are They Shipped?
The butterflies will be cold-shipped overnight in envelopes for individual release, or in special cages for mass release. They are carefully packaged by experts who know how to handle them without any harm coming to the butterflies. The packages contain enough oxygen to keep the butterflies alive and healthy for up to four days. When you receive them you need to keep them in a cool dark place until you are ready to use them. Only young butterflies are shipped but due to the fact that anything can happen during the shipment of live creatures, a reputable dealer will provide a few extra butterflies with your order to ensure that you receive the correct amount of active butterflies that you have paid for.
The Cost
The cost of a butterfly package depends on the amount of butterflies you order and the release method that you choose. You can expect to pay approximately eight to ten dollars per butterfly.
Releasing Butterflies Safely
Butterflies should only be released during the daytime, allowing at least an hour before dusk for them to be able to find proper food and shelter for the night. Butterflies should only be released in nice weather. Never release them on a rainy, windy day. Butterflies can’t fly if them temperatures drop below 65 degrees Fahrenheit. Never release butterflies indoors. Knowing that you can’t control the weather, if you decide to use butterflies for your special occasion, be sure to have a back-up plan such as keeping them in a netted cage until conditions are appropriate for their safe release.
Problems
Some conservationists worry about the long term effects of releasing butterflies into situations where they may not be able to find a suitable habitat after they have been released. They feel that butterflies grown and kept in captivity are more susceptible to diseases that can then spread to the wild butterflies upon release. They also worry about disrupting the natural migratory patterns of the butterflies who are let go in different areas then they were farmed in. The North American Butterfly Association, also worries about poaching which might occur while the butterflies are overwintering in their natural habitats. They recommend the tossing of rose petals as a beautiful alternative.
Folklore
Native American Indian legend tells of how the Great Spirit invented butterflies by gathering some of the beautiful colors of nature and turning them into butterflies. It is said that if you have a secret wish that you want to come true, you must tell it to a butterfly. Since butterflies make no sound, they will keep your secret and carry it, on the wings of love, to the Great Spirit who is the only one that can hear them.
With the right conditions and a few precautionary measures taken, releasing butterflies, en masse, can turn your next special event into a memorable occasion.
