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Hibernation Boxes: Do Butterflies Use Them?

© Naomi Mathews

Recently, I have been asked about the effectiveness of placing a butterfly house or hibernation box in gardens or back yards. The two most common questions I hear are: (1) do butterfly houses attract butterflies; (2) do butterfly hibernation boxes provide the butterfly a place in which to hibernate?

Since I have never placed a butterfly box in my own flower garden, I began to give these questions some serious thought. I know our birdhouses and bird feeders function very well, because a wide variety of feathered visitors frequent them throughout the year.

What about butterfly houses? Do butterflies really use them?

You have probably seen many butterfly houses in your favorite garden store, in magazines and gardening catalogs, and on the Internet. Maybe you've been sneaking peeks at the adorable one your neighbor just placed in his flower garden. Or, perhaps you already have one in your own garden, and you're waiting for some evidence that "flying flowers" are using it.

I've certainly seen many of them, as they have become quite popular. They are without a doubt very attractive and make a great adornment to one's back yard. I have to admit that not too long ago I found myself begging my husband, "Honey, would you build me one of those cute little butterfly houses . . . please?"

Being the practical man my husband is, he simply replied, "Why would butterflies need a house? Butterflies don't make nests like birds do to lay their eggs in, do they?"

I saw the mischievous twinkle in his blue eyes, the quick smile on his handsome face, and knew he was teasing me. And I had to admit that butterflies don't need "nests," knowing they instinctively lay their eggs on their favorite host plants. Then, I suggested to him they might need a "house" to retreat in on cloudy or cool, windy days. Butterflies are definitely sun worshipers and really dislike wind and cold. Going a step further, I hinted that perhaps some butterflies might even overwinter in such a house, then come out in early spring to lay their eggs.

Well, I tried--and my husband knows I've had my eye on a charming butterfly house for a couple of years. It couldn't hurt to try one or two. After all, our back yard is already overflowing with birdhouses and feeders of every style and color that he has designed and built as "his hobby." Knowing him, I realized he would probably NOT build me a butterfly house unless I could prove there was a "practical" reason.

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