Well, that may be a bit of an exaggeration, because they never actually “left”!

Butterflies in this area of Florida benefit from the few frosts we have here. When the temperature goes below freezing (for a butterfly that’s around 55°F) they become dormant and hang quietly while they wait for the sun to warm the day. And, a butterfly can help to warm itselfin several ways. They spread their wings to absorb solar radiation, which theycan utilize to raise their body temps quickly.

 And did you know butterflies shiver? Just like humans, when abutterfly shivers, its temperature can go up a couple of degrees. Until theirbody temp reaches about 80 degrees, a butterfly will be lethargic and unable tofly. That’s why you’re more likely to be able to catch the perfect picture of abutterfly early in the morning when it’s cooler.

The reason you see fewer butterflies and caterpillars in Florida’s cooler months has to do with fewer of their host plants offering up blooms andnectar for feeding. Plants that blossom and produce nectar are more sensitiveto colder temperatures.

When a butterfly’s body temperature warms and it is able to fly, it will be off to look for food. If the plants in your yard have lost their blooms in the cold, the butterfly will be in search of nectar in your neighbors’ yards…your neighbors may have protected the butterfly’s host plants from frost and can offer a buffet!