Home >> Science & Nature >> Insects & Science

How to Catch a Butterfly on a Finger

Butterflies are elusive, free and beautiful. Perhaps more than any other insect, they inspire a longing to touch their soft, colorful wings and delicate spindly legs. If you’ve ever fantasized about pet butterflies that would land on your hand or your shoulder, this trick will be fun for you. Take the kids with you, and let them feel the magic that communing with butterflies brings.

Things You'll Need

Sugar
Water
Spray bottle

Instructions

- 1
  Find a location that attracts many butterflies. If you don’t have a butterfly garden in your own backyard, visit your local arboretum, or find a public garden where butterflies are likely to congregate.
- 2
  Before you leave, mix three parts sugar with one part water, and shake it up. Put the sugar water into a spray bottle.
- 3
  When you see a number of butterflies close by, spray your hand thoroughly with the sugar mixture, so that it is slightly sticky.
- 4
  Stand very still near a cluster of butterflies, and hold your hand out in front of you. Do not move. Just wait.
- 5
  When the butterfly alights on your hand, remain still and allow him to drink the nectar off of your skin. If he flies away, do not try to catch him. He’s probably going to tell his butterfly buddies about the yummy nectar he found. Spray yourself again, and remain perfectly still. You will soon be covered with sweet, silky butterflies!

Insects & Science