Winter Roundup

It's winter in Tampa, and we're shivering in the 40 degree mornings! We get a lot of questions this time of year about how butterflies handle the cold, and what butterfly gardeners can do to help them out. Here's a roundup of posts we've written in the past to help answer some of those questions.

FAQ: Florida Butterflies and Caterpillars in Cold Weather
Learn how butterflies handle the cold, what happens to caterpillars when the temperatures dip, and whether Florida butterflies migrate.

Baby, It's Cold Outside
Butterflies are pokilotherms, meaning their body temperatures vary based on the temperature outside. However, they have the ability to raise their body temperatures quite a lot above what the thermometer shows - and this post tells you how they do it.

Diapause
Bears and other animals hibernate when the weather gets cold. Insects like butterflies experience diapause instead. Learn all about it in this post.

Well, Shiver Me Butterflies!
One way butterflies can raise their body temperature is by shivering, just like humans. Check out this cool video taken a few winters ago here in our Flight Encounter of a shivering Monarch, and read the post for more information about how butterflies warm themselves with a combination of solar radiation and shivering.

Cool Weather Nectar Plants and Host Plants for Cool-Weather Butterflies
Butterflies may not be as varied and plentiful in Central Florida in the winter months, but they're definitely still around. On sunny afternoons, you'll see them out looking for food and eager for the chance to mate. Good butterfly gardeners can refresh their butterfly gardens this time of year to help butterflies thrive during the most challenging time of the year - learn how in these posts.