Butterfly stuff

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Butterflies are having a hard time of it these days. Plant butterfly bushes and other plants that will feed them. And, if you're handy, see if you can make a house for them.

Butterfly Box

Black Swallowtail Offer a potted herb in your box. While gobbling up the food, the caterpillar will decide when it is ready to form its chrysalis. The metamorphosis may take a week or more to complete, depend-ing upon the species. A butterfly's patterns may be visible through the casing. The box allows close examination of this process.

The new butterfly will emerge from its case with soft and floppy wings, and it must have some time to pump fluid into its veins. This can take a few minutes for small butterflies or hours for larger ones. Once its wings are strong enough to support itself in flight, you can release the wondrous creature. If you have a few butterfly favorites planted in your yard, it may not be the last time you see your incredible friend.

Room for Rent
If your yard is short on caterpillars, Insect Lore offers live Painted Lady caterpillars. Call 1-800-548-3284 for a catalog or visit the Web site at www.insectlore.com.

Butterfly Box Diagram
WHAT YOU'LL NEED
drill
crewdriver
staple gun
No. 8 screw pilot drill bit(to predrill and countersink)
saw
square
scissors
optional: router, table saw,or powered miter saw
12 (2 1/2-inch) No. 8 galvanized wood screws (to attach upright horizontal pieces)
8 (1-inch) No. 6 galvanized wood screws (3 for the top, 3 for the bottom, 2 for the pull)
weatherproof glue
white paint
gray plastic window screen
1/4-inch staples
For handle: 2 (21/2-inch) No. 10 bolts, 6 No. 10 nuts, and 6 washers
Section
top
bottom
slide
pull
corners (4)*
sides (4)
front (2)
handle
Material
1/4" plywood
1/4" plywood
1/4" plywood
1 x 2 pine
1 x 2 pine
1 x 2 pine
1 x 2 pine
3/4" diameter branch
Size
10" x 10"
10" x 101/2"
8 3/8" x 133/4"
8 3/4" long
12" long
7" long
8" long
4" long
*Make a 3/8" x 3/8" dado (groove) in two corner pieces.


-- Anonymous, February 18, 2002

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