The snow is already falling in numerous places across the United States and the cool winter winds are beginning to blow in even more. As we move towards the more somber part of our year, you may find yourself wondering what becomes of the beautiful butterfly during the long, cold months of late fall through early spring. Well, it depends on which stage of their life cycle our bedazzling friends are in.
Adult butterflies do one of two things-they migrate to warmer climates, like the majestic Monarch or they remain in their cold weather habitat. Butterflies that choose to remain in their cold weather climate enter a phase known as diapause. They find a safe place, such as cracks within rocks or tree bark and enter what is basically bug hibernation. Like other animals that enter a state of hibernation, non-essential functions, such as reproduction, shut down and metabolism slows down. These winged wonders have special anti-freeze like chemicals in their body and they remain dormant until the weather begins to warm.
Some species of butterflies spend their winter months as caterpillars. They also enter the state of diapause once they have buried themselves deep amongst leaves or soil. Once their host plants have sprung back to life, they will reemerge and begin to eat and grow.
Butterflies that spend their winter wrapped up snug and safe in a chrysalis spend the last days of the caterpillar stage looking for a sheltered location before enclosing itself in its cocoon to wait out the winter cold. All development stops during cold weather, and once the weather warms, it will begin again. The fully developed butterfly will emerge once fresh blooms have appeared.
Some butterflies are programmed to spend winter in the most vulnerable state of being-as an egg. These species typically lay their eggs at the base of their host plants to minimize exposure to the cold, winter winds. Once the host plant has started new growth, the eggs will hatch.
If you are interested in helping your native species survive during the winter, here are a few tips:
- Allow Autumn leaves to remain undisturbed at the base of trees as much as possible. There is a good chance that caterpillars or eggs are tucked safely away for the upcoming cold season.
- If you come across a chrysalis or cocoon, let it be. There is a good chance that a butterfly will emerge when spring comes.
- Be sure to plant a variety of nectar producing plants in your garden, especially those that bloom in early spring and late fall to give the first and last butterflies of the season some extra sustenance.
For more information, please visit Butterflies and Moths of North America.
