butterflies at 32 degrees

[milberts]

We found a monarch lying in the grass, brought it inside and placed it in a bouquet of fresh flowers. Afraid that it would fly indoors, we put the bouquet on the deck, protected. The temp reached 32 last night, and is not expected to reach mid 50s for a couple of days. The monarch is now on a mum plant, indoors. Its wings are spread, and it is "shivering". Any suggestions?

[Mona Miller]

The reason your Monarch is shivering is because it is cold that is how they warm up. They can fly at temps above 50 degrees. I actually saw one flying over hawk ridge in PA when the temp in the parking area was 37 degrees.

viewtopic.php?f=11&t=1669#p7769
This is information I posted earlier on how low they can go.

If you use the search feature above right, you can access tons of info on how to feed them and what to use.

I have about 15 Monarch pupae. I think I will have to try to get them a ride down to Virginia beach. We've already lost most of our annuals to frost her in my area. I have them inside. As long as your indoor temps don't go above 85 they will remain in diapause.