The butterflies need to be released. They require a food source in the form of nectar from a wide variety of flowering plants. HOPEFULLY, you live in an area where there are plenty of annuals and perennials in full bloom. If not, shame on the organizers of the home show.

Butterflies have a very short window of opportunity in which to mate. Any that are raised artificially must be released so that they can accomplish that before they die in a very few short weeks.

The butterflies seek out thistles and plants in the Malvaceae family to use as host plants....to lay their eggs for the caterpillars to feed on.