Take care of a spicebush or black swallowtail butterfly wounded wings

by Sandy Jones
(Alachua, Fl)

I am not sure which one it is black or spicebush but he/she was born on my window cell inside. I was drying rosemary and notice the lime green pod so I put it in the window then it appeared a few days later.

But the wings do not do well so it cannot fly. How do I keep it alive? I brought in some flowering herbs and keep it on there, but I know it needs more than that. Born 6/14/2010 around 3:30pm. Would like to keep it alive and don't know how to do this, also what is the life span. Thanks
Sandy Jones

Karen says:
Sandy, I have never had that problem with Swallowtails. Monarchs can have a disease called OE. It probably is just be a genetic problem. You can try and feed the butterfly "Juicy Juice" or Gaterade. Crumple a paper towel and saturate it with the juice then place it on a dish.

You also might want to go to this link and scroll down to the comments where one of my visitors shares how she cares for sick butterflies.

These butterflies only live a few weeks but if it is weak it might only live a few days.