Butterflies emerging from hibernation - advice please

[gentlefern]

I've had two friends contact me today regarding butterflies that have emerged in their houses.

What should they do to help them survive?

I'm afraid I don't have a clue and want to give the correct advice, if indeed there is anything that can be done.

Many thanks in advance of the anticipated superb answers.

[Naturenutz]

Hi gentlefern.Do you mean disturbed rather than emerged ? Some butterflies hibernate as adults such as small tortoiseshells and peacocks.They like somewhere dark and out of the worst of the weather.A garden shed is often used but they can come indoors to hibernate where too much light,warmth or disturbance may awaken them.They are often docile and can be moved gently ,remembering they have a strong grip with legs attached to surfaces.If they are active ,capture them and place in a dark cool place safe from disturbance.

[gentlefern]

Thankyou Naturenutz.

Yep too much disturbance was the key. I gave both of them much the same advice about placing it into a cool dark place so it can doze off again. One of them had placed it in a sweety jar, on a windowledge above her fire.

Not at all a scientific reason on my part, just a feeling that hibernation must require peace, quiet, cold and a bit of dark. December works for me. I just want to climb under my duvet and sleep it out.

cheers