Painted Lady Butterflies

We have butterflies available from around the end of May to September 1, yearly. Within that window, you can call or email us to inquire about availability anytime (click here or phone 780-462-1839). Our schedule is based on historical weather patterns, migratory data of Painted lady butterflies, and current conditions. 

You can inquire for butterflies on short notice anytime! But do be alert that butterflies take us 4 weeks to raise to adulthood and get ready for you. This means, we do sometimes sell out, especially popular weeks, because we can't just pull them out of a hat short-notice. The best thing to do is order well in advance, if your event is one you can plan in advance. With enough notice (4+ weeks) we can breed your butterflies just for you and guarantee availability. Many people order as early as January or February for planned celebrations and events.

That being said, we understand many events in our lives cannot arrive unexpectedly.  We try to keep bereavement butterflies available all summer long. Even if your window of time is super short (even a couple days), it's always worth inquiring. We cannot firmly guarantee availability, but we will do our very best for you, and we usually have a few available.

All butterfly orders require a 50% deposit to be paid at the time of booking, to guarantee your spot. Remaining balance is due no later than 2 days prior to shipping. Deposits are non-refundable but can be carried forward as credit. 

BUTTERFLIES

Butterflies are priced individually (per butterfly)

Minimum 6 butterflies per order. 

• less than 25 butterflies:   $12.50 each
• 25-49   butterflies:   $10.50 each
• 50 or more butterflies: $8.50 each

SHIPPING FEES

Shipping Canada-wide. We do not offer pickup.

All shipping is Purolator Express. We require approximately 2 business days minimum for Canada-Wide shipping. 

The exception is if you are within the city limits of Edmonton: we work with local couriers to provide same-day services within our hometown.

• Within Edmonton City Limits:   $18.00
• Great Edmonton Area (within 40km): $20.00
• Calgary Shipping:   $30.00 
• Elsewhere in Alberta:   $35.00
• BC, Saskatchewan, Manitoba:   $45.00
• Ontario, Quebec:   $55.00
• NS, NL, PEI, NT*, YT, NWT (will be quoted)   $70.00+

*Please note that releasing of any wildlife in Newfoundland & Laborador requires both import and release permits under the provincial Wildlife Act. We will require proof of permitting to complete your order. 

Butterflies are strictly seasonal and dependent on good conditions. 

We do not offer releases outside of our ethical release window (end of May-September 1), and we reserve the right to cancel  or postpone your order if conditions occur which are non-compatible with life. 

REQUIRED RELEASE CONDITIONS:

• Daytime temperatures of 18+
• Nighttime temperatures of 10+
• Sunny conditions (full sun-mostly sun) at time of release

Conditions which will prevent a successful release include rainy or overcast conditions, excessive wind, snow, cold temperatures, smoke from forest fires, and natural disasters. 

Due to the needs of the butterflies, we do ask that you make backup accommodations for a "plan B" release event, should conditions on your chosen day prove incompatible with releasing butterflies. 

Butterflies are not always convenient: they are a living, breathing animal with needs of their own. Please do not attempt unethical release practices which may put them at risk. 

We do not offer pickup. Our apologies for this inconvenience: we run a closed lab for sanitation purposes with our animals, and are not permitted for visitors.

PACKAGING

Butterflies are packaged in individual release boxes (see below for photo) for their safety and well-being. The boxes are 1x1x2", and mimic the kind of locations butterflies shelter in from bad weather in the wild: small, tight hiding spots where they feel secure from weather and predators. 

This means each person receiving a butterfly will have their own special moment with it before they set it free as they open the boxes.

All butterflies in their boxes on your order are shipped together in an insulated shipping box, with an ice pack to keep them cool and in a diapause state in transit. These dark, quiet conditions ensure the butterflies rest, as they would on a cold dark Canadian night.

SHIPPING

Outside Edmonton

Butterflies are shipped Purolator Express (overnight) within Canada, which requires an average minimum of 24-48 hours for delivery. We do ask for allowance of 48 hours on all out-of-town butterfly release orders to provide leeway for mechanical delays or mistakes by Purolator. 

Shipping and delivery is only available on weekdays excluding holidays.

Due to these shipping timelines, we cannot accommodate release events on Mondays or Tuesdays (we cannot get the butterflies to you on time). Wednesday events are cusp: we will need you to acknowledge that timely delivery is not always available for daytime Wednesday events outside of Edmonton.

We cannot provide you with exact delivery times. Purolator can accommodate business hours if your business lists them on google. All other orders are delivered anytime between 8 AM and 6 PM on weekdays. 

Please monitor the tracking PIN number you are issued through Purolator: that is the most accurate and up-to-date way of monitoring your shipment's progress.

Within Edmonton

We work with local courier companies to provide same-day shipping in Edmonton. 

Shipping and delivery are  available on weekdays excluding holidays.

By default, orders typically arrive between 10 AM and 2 PM: delivery outside of that timeline can be requested but we will need to approve it. Please let us know if you need special accommodations for delivery timelines.

Please visit our instructions page: we will also provide written instructions at the time of order AND a paper copy in the box with your butterflies. 

Upon the arrival of your butterflies, you fill find a keepsake postcard inside the box with this memorialized on it. 

When the Creator made butterflies, he used only the most beautiful inspiration from the world. 

He took black from the maiden's hair, yellow from the summer sun, orange from the flower blossom, and blue from the rivers and waters of the earth. But He did not give them a voice, as they were His own special creatures.

If you have a dream, a wish, or a secret, capture a butterfly and whisper your heart's desire to it. Since butterflies make no sound, they will carry your wish to Creator, who alone knows the thoughts of butterflies. 

By releasing them into the wild you are helping restore the sacred balance of nature, and your heart's needs will surely be granted.