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.
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.
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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
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Section
top
bottom
slide
pull
corners (4)*
sides (4)
front (2)
handle
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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
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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
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*Make a 3/8" x 3/8" dado (groove) in two corner pieces.
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-- Anonymous, February 18, 2002