"JennyC" wrote in message
...
There was a beautiful Peacock butterfly sitting on the settee this
morning when I came downstairs !!!!!!!!
It was moving its wings but does not seem to be able to
fly..............

My nature book says they can spend the winter indoors but do hatch in
early spring.

Should I put it outside ?
Does it need feeding ?


Since you asked the question, I assume you've caught and confined the
creature? If so, I suggest you don't release it outside just yet, but put it
in a shed or outhouse for a few weeks. Most authorities give March as the
beginning of normal wake up time for hibernating peacocks, but, given our
milder winters, who knows?

I visited an old house in a town a few miles down the road from here a few
years ago, which had literally dozens of butterflies hibernating on the
inner walls of the stairwell. I've never seen anything like it. The lady who
lived there said it had 'always' been like that. I've got to admit, I was
rather jealous.