For your information please refer to our frequently asked questions. If you have any further queries, please feel free to contact us.
Where do the butterflies come from?
Our butterflies are especially bred on our butterfly farm. They are nurtured and protected through their incredible life-cycle from egg to caterpillar to chrysalis and finally emerging as a big beautiful butterfly ready to be released.
We specialise in breeding the beautiful Monarch Butterfly as they are a visually stunning butterfly for releasing. They are safe to touch and to interact with humans, they are also readily found in all areas of Australia so will safely continue their natural life-cycle whilst having a positive impact on the environment and posing no threat to other fauna or flora. The Monarch Butterfly is a beautiful golden orange and black in colour with some white features, as seen in various photos featured throughout our website.
What happens to the butterflies after the release?
They will happily continue the rest of their natural life-cycle. Whilst not an original Australian native, they arrived in Australia from North America as recently as 1871. Once its host plant, the Milkweed arrived as well, the butterflies began to flourish.
They are now naturally occurring in all areas of Australia so will certainly inhabit any area in which they are released. Releasing butterflies has a positive impact on the environment and helps to replenish the sadly depleting butterfly population. When used in a mass release, the butterflies will fly to nearby flowers and plants. Often a few of the butterflies will land on the bride's bouquet or even land on a few of the guests – which is a delight and great photo opportunity.
Do butterflies harm the environment?
No, they do not. In fact, by doing a butterfly release you are helping populate butterflies that have been displaced due to urban sprawl.
How long do Monarch Butterflies live for?
In Summer, most Monarchs live between two to six weeks as an adult. However, the life span of the Winter generations can be as long as 8 months.
Are butterflies always available?
We are constantly breeding butterflies so as to fulfil requests on short notice, however for events where notice is possible we do recommend securing your date in our schedule so that we can breed the butterflies especially for you. Ideally more than 5 weeks notice is recommended. Ordering with shorter notice may be possible but will be subject to availability as breeding would have already commenced. As we are working with nature we do recommend contacting us with as much notice as possible to confirm availability and to have peace of mind that your special date is locked in our breeding schedule. We are happy to take orders 12 months in advance.
Please note that butterflies are cold-blooded which means they hibernate when it’s cold and need the temperature to be warm for them to be able to fly. Therefore, they are not available during the colder winter period, depending on your location in Australia.
What is a Butterfly Release?
Mass Release - A mass release box will hold the butterflies for release all at once by opening the lid.
Display Release - The butterflies fly around inside a decorated cage, placed in your reception area, hung from trees or stands, or as table centre piece. At the appropriate moment, the netting is drawn to release the butterflies.
Individual Release – The Bridal Party or selected guests each receive a butterfly in a butterfly box to set free at a designated time during the wedding ceremony.
What kind of butterflies are they?
The Monarch Butterfly or otherwise known as Wanderer Butterfly lives its short, busy life in many Australian backyards. Monarchs are very common and perhaps the most recognised butterfly, especially in urban areas.
Interesting fact - The wings of the Monarch Butterfly measure 9 cm and carry it at a speed of up to 40 km per hour.
How does weather affect them?
If it is cold, butterflies are inactive. As they warm up they become lively. The minimum temperature for flight is 16 °C. Butterflies should not be released in the rain.
Do they stay around after the release?
Yes! Monarch Butterflies are friendly and interact well with people and will allow you to move in close to photograph and sometimes even let you pick them up!
How are butterflies shipped?
Locally, we deliver your butterflies ready for release or display directly to your event location.
How do they survive when boxed up?
Monarchs are very hardy. The casualty rate is less than 1% and it is likely that all will be lively and healthy when released. The lower temperature in the shipping box puts the butterflies into a restful and comfortable "hibernation" state and they do not need to eat or even move during shipment.
When do I place my order?
As soon as you can. We will hold reservations on an order for a year in advance. 6 weeks in advance when able is recommended.
How do I pay for my order?
Payment is made through an invoice.
For orders larger than 5 butterflies a 50% deposit is required to secure your booking. The balance of payment will be needed prior to delivery.
What is the cost for delivery?
The delivery cost for local areas is incorporated into our pricing. Additional charges may be incurred for deliveries over 50 km's.
What if I need to cancel my order?
We will require up to 30 days notice for order cancellations to enable us to re sell our stock.
What do I do when the butterflies arrive?
Your delivery will arrive with full instructions.
When do you give the butterflies to the guests to release?
At the time of your choosing – see individual release notes.
Can I pick my order up?
Our Butterfly Farm is located in the South West which is also our residence. If you would like to save on the delivery cost and live locally we can arrange for you to pick up. Please email us though our website for instructions on ordering and picking up.
Can I request something different than the packages you provide?
Yes, we are happy to customise your requests and can offer a bespoke package that caters for your exact needs.
What is the Spiritual meaning of the Monarch Butterfly?
It is said to be a sign from the Angels – one of the most popular signs from the angels are butterflies. Seeing a Monarch Butterfly is a sign from your guardian angels. They want to remind you of their presence. Your Guardian Angel sent the Monarch Butterfly your way as a sign that you are on the right path and your angels are guiding you and protecting you.
What is the IBBA?
International Butterfly Breeders Association, Inc. was founded in 1998 and is the largest and oldest professional butterfly farming trade association. Members bring valuable knowledge, ethics and professionalism to the service of butterfly release. The standards practised by their members are for the love of butterflies and the education of consumers. Please be a responsible consumer and purchase from someone with the high standards of the IBBA . If your vendor is not a member of the IBBA, it means they don't meet the strict guidelines of a professional breeder.
https://www.internationalbutterflybreeders.or