Our painted lady butterflies emerged from their habitat (February 28, 2021)

We raise butterflies in an indoor habitat every year.  When they emerged on February 28 we couldn't release them outside because the temperatures remained below 54 degrees at night and there were no flowers for them.  I set up an indoor garden for them in the master bathroom in hopes the weather would warm up in time to let them fly free.

One painted lady hangs out near the five cocoon shells from which they emerged.  Insect Lore says to offer them orange slices.  Sure enough, the butterflies liked the oranges.

Butterflies taste with their feet but take in nectar with the proboscis.