Winter Butterfly

[bunn]

I was having a shower this morning, when I became aware that I was not alone. A butterfly was sitting in the corner of the shower cubicle, with her proboscis stretched out, drinking the water!

It was quite difficult to get out of the shower without washing her away, but I managed it only getting her a little damp. So I put her by the window to dry out. She sat there for a bit vibrating her wings, then she flew off and found a towel. What a sensible insect. Now she's found a wickerwork basket in a dark corner, and is sitting on that. I assume the rough texture is easy for her to hook her little feet onto.

Comments

[osprey-archer.livejournal.com]

EEEEE BUTTERFLY.

[bunn.livejournal.com]

I have to admit my initial reaction was ERK! BUTTERFLY! but being confronted by insects while nude will have that effect. :-D Once I calmed down I realised that this was a rather nice one!

[marycatelli]

wow

[bunn.livejournal.com]

My first reaction was a bit more alarmed than that! :-D

[carmarthen.livejournal.com]

Ooh, iirc that group maybe hibernates over the winter? In North America, they're one of the first out in spring. I wonder why it woke up...(if you want to keep it you might want to make some butterfly food, as I suspect there isn't much out).

[bunn.livejournal.com]

We quite often have small tortoiseshells hibernating in the house, but this is the first time I've shared ablutions with one! I'm guessing the vibration and warmth of the shower together with a very sunny day yesterday woke it up.

I was wondering whether offering a small quantity of weak sugar solution might be a good idea. The worst of the weather isn't here yet, so I think it's much safer inside for now - when they wake up usually coincides with us deciding to open windows, so they can whizz out to enjoy the early flowers.

[carmarthen.livejournal.com]

Shouldn't hurt! I've seen 1:10 for a sugar:water ratio, and you could also add a little gatorade or flat beer for extra nutrients. I don't think torties are normally fruit feeders, but orange slices might also be worth trying. (Although tbh, if the hibernation is disrupted, idk what that does to their little butterfly lives; working at a butterfly house made me really blasé about their dinky lifespans...)

[bunn.livejournal.com]

Well, if she pops her tiny clogs, I won't be too upset, but I'm happy to offer a random act of kindness.

They are supposed to be a bit endangered, and although I'm not *really* kidding myself that helping this one lonely individual will make any noticeable difference, there is a tiy absurd part of me going 'Chaos! Butterfly wings! Storms! Etc!'

[huinare.livejournal.com]

Ahh butterfly friend. =DDD She's lovely.

[lindahoyland.livejournal.com]

How pretty she is! are you going to feed her some sugar?