How to Build Butterfly Boxes
Butterflies in temperate climates spend the winter in diapause which is the hibernation state for insects. According to Butterfly Gardeners' Quarterly, butterflies can over-winter in any one stage, egg, larva, chrysalis or adult. A butterfly box, also called a hibernation box, offers these creatures a dry shelter for over-wintering. While you can always purchase a butterfly box from a nature store, it is also possible to build one yourself.
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Things You'll Need
- Decay-resistant 11/16-inch wood
- Handsaw or circular saw
- Drill and drill bits
- Jigsaw
- Nails
- Hammer
- Wood glue
- Spool wire
Instructions
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1
Purchase an 11/16-inch thick sheet of wood such as red cedar, redwood and exterior plywood. These types of wood are naturally decay resistant.
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2
Cut two wooden rectangles for the front and back of the butterfly box using a handsaw or a circular saw. The front piece should measure about 5 x 7 inches while the back should be about 5 x 6 inches.
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3
Use a ruler and pencil to measure and draw six ½ x 3 inch slots on the front piece of wood. These will become the entranceways for the butterflies, at the same time helping to keep out mice and birds. Bore a hole on the end of each slot using a ¼ inch drill bit. Use a jigsaw to cut out each slot.
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4
Cut two additional 5 x 7 sized wooden rectangles for the sides of the birdhouse. Cut a bevel in each rectangle at a 17-degree angle. Once you assemble the hibernation box, the beveled edges will allow the roof to sit at an angle.
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5
Cut a 5 x 5 wood square for the floor of the hibernation box and a 6 x 7 rectangle for the roof. Bore a small drain hole in each corner of the floor and a ventilation hole at the top of each side. Bore two 1/8-inch holes in the roof so that you can thread spool wire to hang the butterfly box upon completion.
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6
Use wood glue, a hammer and nails to put the pieces of the butterfly box together. Place a few large twigs inside for the butterflies to rest on before adding the roof. Hang the finished project outside.
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References
- Photo Credit butterfly image by david purday from Fotolia.com
