by Anura Guruge
on August 19, 2022
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The release sequence. On our uncovered deck, next to the covered deck it lived in for the last 3 days building up strength.
From pupa to hatched — & then on the butterfly house with FRESH flowers.
The intent all along was to set it FREE when it was ready.
Just before noon, today, we did just that.
It flew away & went straight to a staghorn sumac.
It was gratifying to see it fly away — appearing to be in good health.
It did not seem to be in any hurry to fly off. I think it was the change in temperature. The fully screened covered deck it lived in for the last 3 days is shaded & as such cool. Today was a warm, sunny day & hence it was HOT outside. I think it took it a few minutes to get used to the change in temperature. They are COLD blooded. So this change in temperature was probably quite a shock to the system. Maybe we should have done it gradually. We had NOT thought about it. But, once it took off, it seemed to be fine. Not erratic or weak.
I was glad. There was no way that I was going to keep it. So, this was ALL good. I am happy.
