Barely Seen BUtterflies!
Did you know that are over 2,500 species of Lepidoptera (the fancy name for butterflies & moths) in the UK?!
Butterflies seek shelter when the temperatures drop; Although not as frequently as some other species, they can be enticed into a well built Bug Hotel.
Butterflies in Bug Hotels: A Rare Treat for the Finest Guests
Every bug hotel dreams of hosting butterflies—the elegant, fluttering celebrities of the insect world. These discerning visitors, however, rarely check in. More often than not, butterflies book their winter getaways in secluded crevices of sheds or cozy bundles of leaves. If your bug hotel happens to become their retreat of choice, congratulations—you’ve hit the hospitality jackpot!
Butterflies are the VIPs of garden accommodations, seeking only the most luxurious lodgings to escape bad weather and predators. They gravitate toward tight, sheltered spaces like crevices or specially crafted butterfly houses with narrow slits designed to mimic tree bark. However, even the fanciest suites might be snubbed—it’s not you, it’s them.
Butterflies are notoriously picky, requiring the perfect combination of sunny locations, clever design, and nearby nectar-filled flowers to tempt them into staying.
If you’re lucky enough to welcome a butterfly or two, it’s a sign your establishment is running at five-star quality!
To increase your chances, consider sprucing up your offerings: paint butterfly houses in bright hues like pink, purple, or yellow to catch their eye, and position your hotel in a sunny spot near plenty of flowering plants. Adding bundles of leaves nearby creates a natural, spa-like retreat for hibernators, giving them the cozy feel of a private villa.
When a butterfly does check in, it’s a moment worth celebrating—a true mark of excellence in the insect hospitality world. While most butterflies will stick to their usual secluded haunts, a visit to your bug hotel signals a garden that’s thriving and inviting.