winter butterflies in log store...

[sloth]

Anyone know much about butterflies? Over the years I've found many live butterflies on the log pile, and my dad has just had one wake up by the warmth of the fire. I was always told they die each year, more to it I'm guessing.

[slack ma girdle]

Most likely Peacocks, they will hiss at you if you prod them.

Edited December 19, 2012 by slack ma girdle
spelling again

[One Buck]

I keep a shelf in my log store and put any logs with butterflies on them on there untill the spring. 3 so far this year. and yes I think that they are peacocks.

[sloth]

they are peacocks, never heard heard them hiss! :eek: my dad heard it open and close its wings though. So do they hibernate?

[Dave Martin]

I spend half my day tip toeing around with a butterfly on a log looking for a safe place to put it

[Gnarlyoak]

Yes some species of butterfly, such as Red Admiral, Painted Lady, Peacock, Small Tortoiseshell, Speckled Wood, Brimstone and Clouded Yellow, do hibernate as adults during the winter.

 

If you find any just leave them in a cool, dry sheltered place. Don't keep them anywhere warm, because if they fully wake up they will die without a source of food.

[Daniël Bos]

they are peacocks, never heard heard them hiss! :eek: my dad heard it open and close its wings though. So do they hibernate?

 

They need to move their wings to build up some warmth in their bodies to be able to flee and fly away from you.

[Typsey]

The first butterflies you see in spring have overwintered in adult form. The last ones you see in autumn overwinter in the chrysalis stage.

 

They are pretty cool really. The peacock butterfly Inachis io has developed an untrasonic alarm signal capable of scaring off bats about the attack.

[teepeeat]

interesting - have found 2 Peacocks in the woodpile as well

 

Quick google found this British Butterflies - A Photographic Guide by Steven Cheshire

[nepia]

If you find any just leave them in a cool, dry sheltered place.

 

 

...next year's log pile! How's the leg?