Breeding in Winter

[kristin10152001]

I am wondering what methods people are using to breed in the winter? I live in Ohio so I wanted to know if I will need artificial lights for the Leps or if I can keep them in the fridge for the winter months? and if they can be stored in the fridge how often should the be removed for feeding?

Thank you I have just started breeding and this will be my first winter so I want to be well prepared

[Mona Miller]

I don't know that many people on this list that winter over Monarch butterflies.

You might subscribe to another list:
http://www.butterflybreeders.org/
There's a discussion forum listed. I think someone might know on that email list.

I have never wintered over Monarchs.

[Paul Cherubini]

I don't know that many people on this list that winter over Monarch butterflies.

What about the Monarch Watch itself?

[kristin10152001]

I found an article by Nigel that is great at explaining wintering monarchs in a wine cooler. If anyone has more information to share I am all ears I am VERY surprised with how hard it is to find this information.

[Paul Cherubini]

I am VERY surprised with how hard it is to find this information.

You could join the dplex mailing list and pose your question to the list or ask Dr. Chip Taylor on the list how the Monarch Watch is able to breed or hold monarchs through the winter in Kansas : http://www.monarchwatch.org/dplex/index.htm

[kristin10152001]

Thank you, I will do that as the information is very scarce

[Paul Cherubini]

If you want to raise alot of monarchs then you have to learn how the experts do things and this knowledge is not free. But the best and cheapest source of pro knowledge that I am aware of is from Nigel Venters: Scroll down this webpage to view the "Maximum Monarchs" articles that are for sale for a reasonable price: http://www.butterflyboutique.net/pages/ ... rform.html

[kristin10152001]

Thank you this really helps Nigel does have a small bit on the same website about keeping monarchs in a wine cooler over winter. Do you know if the books also have pictures as the price is aweful high if not.
Thank you

[Paul Cherubini]

Yes the online .pdf's of the courses have pictures like this http://i636.photobucket.com/albums/uu87/4ALC/nigel.jpg

I don't know of any really inexpensive courses. The super deluxe courses cost $1,150+ !! Like the five day internship Shady Oaks Butterfly Farms offers: http://www.butterflyfunfacts.com/semina ... rnship.php

[Mona Miller]

I am wondering what methods people are using to breed in the winter? I live in Ohio so I wanted to know if I will need artificial lights for the Leps or if I can keep them in the fridge for the winter months? and if they can be stored in the fridge how often should the be removed for feeding?

Thank you I have just started breeding and this will be my first winter so I want to be well prepared

Are you breeding for conservation or are you breeding for commercial purposes?

[Paul Cherubini]

Are you breeding for conservation or are you breeding for commercial purposes?

What's the difference? A butterfly that emerges from a chrysalis and is set free will contribute to conservation regardless if the breeder raised the butterfly for conservation or for profit. According to this article http://www.kansascity.com/2011/07/24/30 ... ve-an.html the Monarch Watch sells 2,000 monarch rearing kits per year that contain 16 caterpillars for $18.00 a kit. Those sales of 32,000 caterpillars generates $36,000 for Monarch Watch which is used to pay staff salaries, utility bills, etc, just as is the case with a commercial monarch breeder.

[Mona Miller]

Let the person who I asked the question answer. The question was not directed to you.

It was a simple question. Why would you get so defensive?

[kristin10152001]

Hello,
Sorry for the delay, I plan to breed for both conservation and commercial sales. I have enjoyed gardening for butterflies and have noticed recently a large decline in the area of butterflies in general and it really sparked my interest to begin breeding these wonderful creatures. I have a personality that when I am geared to do something I go all in and a bit obsessive I hope that my enthusiasm will spark some in others in my community to also get involved.

[Mona Miller]

If you want to learn more about commercial breeding, then join the International Butterfly Breeders Association (IBBA) or the Association for Butterflies (AFB):

www.butterflybreeders.org
IBBA
www.forbutterflies.org
AFB

There's loads of folks on this forum with loads of enthusiasm and obsession.

[kristin10152001]

Great thank you I will be giving it a look!