News
Insidious Insecticides (or Why are my caterpillars dying?)
Several years ago, our older son collected eggs from a wild female Vashti sphinx moth and was raising the caterpillars on Snowberry. One day, he ne...
What's so wonderful about Polyphemus silk moths?
Another of our favorite species is the Polyphemus silk moth (Antheraea polyphemus). This beauty is not only one of the largest silk moths in North America, with wingspans that range from 4 to 6 inches, but it's also the most widespread. Unlike the Cecropia (Hyalophora cecropia) or Ceanothus (Hyalophora euryalus) species, which are geographically limited to east or west (respectively) of the Rocky Mountains, Polyphemus moths can be found throughout the contiguous United States. As a result, we're able to supply eggs and pupae to moth lovers throughout the U.S.
Butterflies and the New Year: Update for 2022
With the on-going drought in the western U.S. and exceptionally high summer temperatures, 2021 proved to be one of the most challenging years so f...
Oregon Swallowtails and the Sagebrush Butterfly Farm Annex
We're trying to bring Oregon Swallowtails back to Pendleton and the Umatilla River basin. Here's what we're doing and how you can help.
Raising caterpillars from eggs
While caterpillar care varies somewhat between species, the following are general directions for all the species we raise and offer for sale.
On r...
New Year, New Name, New Products
Our family business started with Matthew consigning his handmade butterfly shadowbox frames at our local art center. The director labeled them "But...
Overwintering
Rearing caterpillars is the most labor intensive part of raising butterflies -- providing enough food, as well as protecting them from predators and disease -- but approximating winter conditions can be equally tricky.
Where do the butterflies come from?
When talking with customers at various market and events, there are three main questions that come up: 1) Are these real butterflies?, 2) Where do you get the butterflies?, and 3) How do the butterflies die?
Why butterflies?
Lots of people love butterflies, but most people don't raise them or turn them into art. If you're wondering why we do what we do, here's the story.