National Butterfly and Hummingbird Day

National Butterfly and Hummingbird Day honors these magnificent creatures that live with us on the planet. They delight with beauty, elegance, and uniqueness, so our goal is to create comfortable living conditions for them. Use this holiday to learn more about them and attract other people!

History

There are about 20,000 species of butterflies on the planet, the most common of which is the cabbage white. They go through a fascinating life cycle: first, eggs are laid on leaves, then they hatch into larvae and become caterpillars. They eat plants, grow, and then turn into a chrysalis, from which a butterfly emerges. Insect wings are made up of thousands of scales that reflect light, and most species typically live for 1-2 weeks.

Hummingbirds are small, colorful birds with about 325 species. Eight of them have been found in the United States. Interestingly, hummingbirds can breed with other species, leading to the appearance of hybrids. They feed not only on nectar but also on fruit juice and small insects. Their life cycle ranges from three to twelve years. Their wings beat up to 200 times per second – it’s amazing!

Despite the fact that they have existed for many years, the threat to their survival remains relevant. The purpose of the holiday is to inform people about the dangers that threaten these creatures, as well as their benefits in nature. We want many more generations to see their beauty firsthand!

Interesting facts

Did you know that:

• Butterflies cannot fly during an earthquake, can taste with their feet, lay more than 1,000 eggs in their life, help reduce stress and anxiety, distinguish some colors (red, yellow, green), and feel vibrations perfectly.
• Hummingbirds can fly backward and upside down, feed only while hovering, have a heart three times the size of their stomach, skillfully build nests, and consume daily food that is more than their own weight.

How to take part

Watch documentaries about the life of these creatures and tell children how they live in their natural environment. You can also attend various events where you can learn a lot about these little inhabitants of the planet.

When is National Butterfly and Hummingbird Day in 2024?

National Butterfly and Hummingbird Day is observed on October 3 each year.

Observations