r/InvertPets • u/Sagetheswaggydino • 16d ago
Is it time to put Lila down?
Not sure where to post, as it’s hard finding others who keep injured butterflies, but i’m feeling really worried about Lila.
She is a 5 week old cethosia penthesilea (orange lacewing butterfly. Their typical average lifespan in the wild is 7-10 days and she has gone way past that. She emerged with a crumpled wing so i took her in to care for her. On the exact same day my mother found an injured Common crow butterfly at work, and brought her home to me. So Lila got a friend. They would always roost together, find spots to sleep, explore the enclosure, climb and come down to feed. Common Crows typically live a lot longer than Orange Lacewings (11-13 weeks), and lately i’ve seen the effects of old age hitting Lila. Her friend Queenie can still climb, but Lila’s tarsi must be worn down or maybe she’s too weak and she just can’t climb anymore. She needs help with everything now and just sits there sadly. I’m happy taking care of her, but if she can’t even climb and explore, what kind of life is that anymore? I’m even more sad, as i brought them a new buddy named Omelette who’s wings are worse than Lila’s but she’s up roosting with Queenie like Lila used to. And Lila is simply too weak to get up there.
She doesn’t seem to be suffering, but i know she’s on her last few days. Should i let her pass naturally in her enclosure or just euthanise her now?
2
u/Katkottage 15d ago
If it was me, I would just keep her until she passes naturally. I’ve kept a few in this same state and I would house them in a separate tent and hand feed with an eyedropper. I would even take them out of the enclosure and place outside to enjoy the sunshine and flowers for a bit before returning to the “special care” tent. I know this option doesn’t have the majority vote but she worked so hard to become a butterfly - I would keep doing what you’re doing until she decides. Best wishes to you and Lila. ❤️🦋❤️