While many deem them to be simple insects, butterflies are essential creatures. In fact, according to the Butterfly Conservation, butterflies and moths not only exhibit great biodiversity but are also an integral component of the food chain in terms of pollinating edible plants for us to harvest and consume; they’re also a source of food for other creatures from birds to bats, which are valuable on our planet.
But unfortunately, in the past 150 years, four butterfly species have become extinct. Currently, there are almost two dozen butterflies and moths that are considered endangered. That said, it’s critical that we respect, care for, and do what we can for these creatures.
While one may think their efforts in saving wildlife make no difference, this is far from the truth.
Romy McCloskey began raising and releasing butterflies ever since she found caterpillars on a milkweed plant in her backyard one autumn day. For those who don’t know, milkweed is an essential source of food for monarch butterflies.
Not long after discovering the caterpillars, Romy began to fall deeper into caring for the creatures. However, she learned the hard way that raising them isn’t as simple as it seems.
“I had no idea what to do, other than to keep them in a glass tank and feed them and wait. Little did I know there was much more involved. So, I read up on them, as much as I could, joined a great group and experienced many losses in addition to many, many more successes.”
In fact, one day, Romy discovered that one of the caterpillars she raised earned its wings, but tragically, one of its wings was torn as it left its cocoon. Unfortunately, the butterfly couldn’t fly.
“This butterfly is 3 days old and was born with this injury that was sustained while pupating.”
While butterflies can survive with a torn wing, whether or not they can still fly, living with a condition like that makes finding food and fleeing from predators (e.g., birds) incredibly more difficult.
That said, Romy knew she had to do something to help the poor butterfly.
After her friend shared a video with her on how to repair a butterfly’s wing, she decided to give it a go for her own butterfly.
“When this little guy presented himself to me with such a torn and damaged set of wings, I posted about it on my personal FB page,” she says
“I was, needless to say, heartbroken at the thought of having to put him down. Then a friend sent me a video on repairing wings. I figured since I do so much designing, cutting and putting together of costumes…I could give this a go. And I’m really glad I did!”
To repair the monarch’s wing, Romy used several supplies: a towel, tweezers, a pair of scissors, talc, a toothpick, contact cement, a bent hanger (to secure the butterfly during the operation), and parts of a wing from another butterfly that had already passed away.
While it may seem difficult to repair the delicate wing of a butterfly, Romy made it work!
“Ta-da! He’s finished! You can see that the black lines on the upper right wing don’t match up 100%, and if you look at his lower right wing it is missing the black dot that indicates male gender. Oh, and the white on his wing is the talc used to make sure any stray glue doesn’t make the wings stick together.”
After the wing repair, Romy got to witness the beautiful monarch butterfly she raised take flight.
A quick spin around the backyard, then a little rest on [one] of the bushes… then…”like the down of a thistle”… off he flew! My heart soared with him, for sure!”
What a kind act Romy did! Have you ever attempted to help a butterfly or other winged creature who was hurt or sick?
Click on the video below to see a quick how-to next time you come across a butterfly with a broken wing!
