777
Junior Aurelian
Posts: 97
Country: U.S.A.
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Post by 777 on Oct 16, 2018 16:33:45 GMT
I live in eastern Texas, and the winters get so cold that my fingers swell up and stiffen minutes after going outside. I am starting a butterfly collection right now, so I bought a butterfly guide that helps me know more about the native species here. I’ve already captured tons of different species now, but as the cold is rolling in, I’m wondering if I’m ever going to see any butterfly this winter. I know that they don’t like coldness, but my guide talks about some species coming out in the winter months. Any thoughts or advice?
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godot
New Aurelian
“Don’t let’s do anything, it’s safer.” — Samuel Beckett, Waiting for Godot
Posts: 7 
Country: U.S.A.
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Post by godot on Oct 16, 2018 17:07:32 GMT
Generally speaking, butterflies won’t fly if the temperature is below 55-60°F. Adults will hide away in crevices, manmade or natural, and try to wait the weather out; I’m part of a mailing list tracking the annual Monarch migration and many of us in Texas are concerned about the dip in temperature being a hindrance.
Obviously I can’t speak for your region, but around here it’s supposed to rise above 60° again next week. At that point I’d expect to see some butterflies out and about, but not while the temperatures dip too far below that.
It is possible to find butterflies resting under leaves, tucked away under awnings, etc. but it’s probably a bit more difficult than spotting them on a warm day. Such is the way.
Best of luck!
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Post by nomihoudai on Oct 16, 2018 17:08:38 GMT
There will be a short period where nothing interesting flies, but in February/March it should start again with Anthocharis midea. I hope it won't become too cold, I want to spend parts of my winter in Houston to flee the cold...
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777
Junior Aurelian
Posts: 97
Country: U.S.A.
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Post by 777 on Oct 16, 2018 19:56:24 GMT
Thank you guys!
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Post by africaone on Oct 17, 2018 5:50:40 GMT
it is well known that some (very few) species fly only in cold conditions in Oriental mountains such as Actias chapae, some Sphingig, etc, .... of course this is an adpatation relied to local climate.
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777
Junior Aurelian
Posts: 97
Country: U.S.A.
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Post by 777 on Oct 17, 2018 12:27:32 GMT
it is well known that some (very few) species fly only in cold conditions in Oriental mountains such as Actias chapae, some Sphingig, etc, .... of course this is an adpatation relied to local climate. That is quite fascinating! Collecting them must be difficult with the rocky terrain and cold temperatures. |
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Post by Adam Cotton on Oct 17, 2018 13:10:51 GMT
Well, these moths come to light, so you don't have to chase across the rocks to catch them. The Sphingid africaone was referring to is Pentateucha curiosa, which flies in Taiwan when there is snow on the ground in the mountains and also occurs here in Chiang Mai, Thailand, on top of Doi Inthanon (the highest mountain in Thailand, nearly 2600m) in January when it is often below freezing (no snow here though). It has unusually long hairs all over its body, presumably to protect it from the cold. Graphium ( Pazala) alebion also flies in the Nanjing and Tien Mu Shan areas when there can still be snow on the ground at the end of March. Adam. |
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Post by africaone on Oct 18, 2018 6:53:43 GMT
Well, these moths come to light, so you don't have to chase across the rocks to catch them. The Sphingid africaone was referring to is Pentateucha curiosa, which flies in Taiwan when there is snow on the ground in the mountains and also occurs here in Chiang Mai, Thailand, on top of Doi Inthanon (the highest mountain in Thailand, nearly 2600m) in January when it is often below freezing (no snow here though). It has unusually long hairs all over its body, presumably to protect it from the cold. Graphium ( Pazala) alebion also flies in the Nanjing and Tien Mu Shan areas when there can still be snow on the ground at the end of March. Adam. Also the case for other Pentateucha species, also living in cold conditions. As far as I remember there also some Rhodoprasina flying in the snow. Other moth that I don't know the name, are also flying together this typical cold condition fauna. |
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777
Junior Aurelian
Posts: 97
Country: U.S.A.
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Post by 777 on Oct 18, 2018 19:02:58 GMT
If most butterflies and moths seek warmth and shelter during the cold months, is it possible for me to make a trap using a heat source such as a heating pad to attract them?
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Post by Paul K on Oct 18, 2018 19:50:31 GMT
If most butterflies and moths seek warmth and shelter during the cold months, is it possible for me to make a trap using a heat source such as a heating pad to attract them? Never heard of, perhaps Laroy would know about such a method. Honestly I highly doubt it would work. Oh! I forgot, Leptraps is on the green forum only, then the answer is no. |
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Post by Adam Cotton on Oct 18, 2018 20:18:23 GMT
If most butterflies and moths seek warmth and shelter during the cold months, is it possible for me to make a trap using a heat source such as a heating pad to attract them? I am sure the answer to your question would be a definite "No". I don't think they are attracted to warmth. Most of the relatively few species that overwinter as adults will find a suitable place to hibernate in the autumn and just stay there inert until spring. Some of them migrate to warmer places, but the majority actually overwinter as immature stages (eggs, larvae or pupae). Adam. |
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Post by Ed on Oct 28, 2018 0:47:52 GMT
[Graphium (Pazala) alebion also flies in the Nanjing and Tien Mu Shan areas when there can still be snow on the ground at the end of March.
Adam.[/quote]
It’s important to note that although there may be snow in the habitat, there must still be sun and warm temperatures in order for them to emerge and begin flying.
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