How Long Before a New Butterfly Flies?
WouterYou may wonder how long it will take for a new butterfly to fly. When a new butterfly first emerges from a pupa, it will take at least three to four hours for its wings to dry out. You should avoid touching a newly emerged butterfly when its wings are still wet. The newly emerged adult butterfly will appear lethargically for the first few hours. If you accidentally touch it, the butterfly may walk onto your finger or get a bruised wing. If you want to avoid causing any damage, gently tap the butterfly’s wings on a plant, and hold it in a different way.
After a new butterfly emerges from its chrysalis, it must hang upside down for at least an hour. In this time, it will stretch its wings and force blood into its veins. Once the butterfly has finished stretching its wings, it can be sent on its way.
Once the butterfly reaches this stage, it must be released in a warm and sunny place. It should also be released in an environment where it is safe from rain. If it rains, a butterfly will likely die. Also, it is important to wait for a day of ideal weather conditions before releasing it.
The most common food for new butterflies is sponge soaked in sugar water. This is easy to prepare at home and can sustain any type of butterfly. Common recipes recommend a ratio of four to nine parts water to one part sugar. You can also use a heaping teaspoon of honey in a half cup of water. If sugar water is not readily available, fresh flowers can be used instead.
