Butterfly missing one wing? Should I cut it off?

Question

I found a butterfly who was missing a part of the wing, I ve had butterflies as pets before so I took him in, but since he couldn t fly he always kinda moves trying to fly which made his wing break even more, I can t fix it, I don t think I wanna put him down yet but the undamaged wing is weighing him down, should i just cut it off and he ll be wingless?

Brandon · Answer

Do NOT cut off the wing!! Your best bet if the missing wing is inhibiting its flight ability is to take it inside and feed it sugar water (from spring water) but use a cotton ball or cotton pad so it doesn't drown. They also like fresh cut fruit like apples, bananas, pears, oranges, and watermelons. If it appears to fly okay then leave it outside or let it go.

daniel g · Answer

I would just leave it as is. The butterfly is not suffering, it just can't fly.
If you want to care for it, you could see if it will drink a little sugar water, that will sustain it til it dies of old age.
Cutting off the wings won't help and if you cut them at the coaxa(the joint) that can make them bleed to death.
It would not survive in the wild and possible fall to predators.

Tyler Brown · Answer

Yes they can live wingless in captivity but not in the wild

Anonymous · Answer

yes

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Butterfly missing one wing? Should I cut it off?

4 Answers