Spicebush swallowtail

[Paul C Weaver]

Interesting that you would comment on Butterfly world.  Of all the
butterfly exhibits I have been to in the past few years, Butterfly world
was the most guarded, unfriendly place I have ever been.  At ever turn you
see a sign "do not touch the butterflies - stay on the path - violators
will be thrown in jail.  The workers were always watching ever move you
make and rude for the most part.  The only plus side is the number of
species of butterflies they have.  The Cypress gardens butterfly house has
a way more friendly atmosphere and almost as many species.  I just don't
like feeling like a criminal when I want to view butterflies or heaven
forbid egg laying females or feeding larvae. I find it hard to believe
that they would let a Spicebush swallowtail loose in south FL as strict as
they are with there butterfly house.  Would not worry to much about your
friend releasing it.  There is a reason why the range does not extend into
southern FL  (foodplant or environmental conditions).  

Sorry to carry on such but I just had to get it off my chest.

PAUL


On Sun, 15 Mar 1998, Anne Kilmer wrote:

> Sorry about the cross posting, gentlebeings,
>     Spent today at a bug romp at the local botanical garden (they were
> releasing thousands of ladybugs, oh boy ... )
> And people came by with a spicebush swallowtail chrysalid they had
> bought at Butterfly World. Papilio troilus. This is a lovely butterfly,
> indigenous to the north part of Florida. Doesn't hang out this far
> south.
> While I know that the USDA regulates this sort of transaction, and that
> the rules do not permit the release of out-of-state butterflies,  I also
> know that this is an out-of range release, and that it is wrong.
> I have persuaded the butterfly's "owner" to keep it as a pet in her
> screened porch, rather than allowing it to fly free. But why, I wonder,
> is Butterfly World involved in out of range releases. Your thoughts ...
> Anne Kilmer
> south florida
> 
> 
>