Do butterfly boxes work?"Unfortunately, no. While so-called butterfly boxes can be attractive, and do little harm, studies have shown that butterflies do not use them in any way."
The NABA points out that at night or during stormy weather, butterflies tend to find natural shelter where they can roost. Such shelters can be found between rocks, in deep grass, or other such natural hiding places.
I highly recommend reading Rick Mikula's excellent article, Butterfly Houses. Rick aptly points out that there is certainly no harm in using a butterfly house (he states he has one!), and that they do add charm and beauty to flower gardens.
Following my research on butterfly houses or hibernation boxes for the sake of the butterfly, I was fairly convinced I really didn't need one. However, one thing became very apparent to me. Gardeners are not the only people inquisitive about the use of these charming houses or boxes. Entomologists continue to seek new methods of preserving the mystical "flying flowers."
Supporting View About the Effective Use of Butterfly Houses
A supporting view about butterfly houses or hibernation boxes was found at Environmental Tips: Butterfly Beauty. The writer reports that butterfly boxes may offer shelter from predators and severe weather, as well as a place to hibernate or nest. He advises gardeners to place their butterfly boxes about four feet above ground and making sure they have a southern exposure in the wintertime. You will find simple instructions on how to build a butterfly box here.
My Personal Viewpoint
As a gardener, I have many differing viewpoints from those of my next door neighbor. About flowers, about shrubs, about trees, about grass, about fences, and quite possibly, about butterfly houses! This makes life even more interesting, don't you think?
I don't see any real harm in having one or two butterfly houses to mingle with our many birdhouses. You see, I am equally as curious as my husband is practical. I would really like to see if can outsmart a butterfly! I've often heard it said that a butterfly goes wherever it pleases, and pleases wherever it goes. And maybe, just maybe, one will break all the butterfly rules and fly into MY butterfly house. I've also heard it said that there has to be a first time for everything. Even for butterflies!
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