Butterfly release
April 30th, 2008 | Published in Everyday Life
When the day came to release the butterflies, there was a bit of protest on the part of the butterfly care-takers. I had to do a little sweet-talking with lots of assurance that they (the care-takers) had prepared these butterflies for life outside.
Both of the boys wanted to hold (then hopefully let go of and release!) the butterflies. Their dad was there to help so you’ll see his hands with those of the boys.
These are painted lady butterflies (scientific name - Vanessa cardui).*
They breathe through their abdomens, taste with their feet, and have 10,000 eyes.
They are the most widely distributed butterfly in the world.
They may travel 1,000 miles in their lifetime.
*all butterfly facts obtained through Insect Lore (www.insectlore.com).