A peacock butterfly can live up to two years. As a result, it has to survive two winters undamaged. But where does the native butterfly go to hibernate when it's stormy and snowing outside? Will he perhaps find refuge in our home?
Where does the peacock butterfly overwinter?
The peacock butterfly hibernates in caves, tree trunks or human dwellings such as garages, cellars, attics, stairwells and garden sheds. In rooms below 12 °C the butterfly goes into hibernation and only awakens again in March.
Escape from the frost
The habitat of this butterfly species extends throughout Europe and Asia, with the exception of the northern regions. Where the winters are frosty, the peacock butterfly needs a protective hiding place. In the wild, for example, this could be a cave or a hole in a tree trunk. If human dwellings are not far, they are also accepted as winter quarters. Such as:
- Garage
- Basement
- Attic
- Staircase
- Garden Shed
A butterfly in hibernation
If you discover a peacock butterfly in your home, it will probably be stuck motionless to a wall. The butterfly goes into hibernation at temperatures below 12 °C. Just leave the butterfly alone. Winter's torpor doesn't end until March, when the first nectar of the year attracts it to the garden. Then there should be a small window open so that he can go out.
Early Awakening
If the butterfly gets into a warm room and can't get out, it is at risk of death. It flutters around, expending energy, but finding no food. This also applies if you bring the peacock butterfly into a warm room with good intentions.
The noble butterfly has to find a cool but frost-free place to live as quickly as possible. Do not release the butterfly outside if the temperature is below zero. He will probably die before he finds a new shelter.
Saving the butterfly
- Get a small cardboard box (€14.00 on Amazon).
- Cut a small hole in it for the butterfly to fit through. It has a wingspan of about 50 mm. The hole allows him to leave the box in the spring. But first the hole must remain closed until spring.
- Catch the butterfly carefully.
- Take the box to a place that is ideal for overwintering.
- In harsh winters, make sure that the temperature in the wintering quarters does not fall below 0 °C.
- As soon as it gets warmer outside, the room must also offer an opening to leave.
Tip
If you like the colorful butterfly species, you can also dare to breed some yourself. You can get caterpillars from BUND or a butterfly breeder.
