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Zoo Asks For Woman’s Help In Repairing Butterfly’s Wings, She Gives It A Transplant
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Zoo Asks For Woman’s Help In Repairing Butterfly’s Wings, She Gives It A Transplant

Interview With Expert
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Some people volunteer at animal shelters, others save kittens who accidentally gambol onto the road, while the founder of Insect Art repairs the wings of butterflies!

The woman, who makes jewelry from real insects, is an expert at repairing butterfly wings, doing wing transplants, and making sure that these beautiful insects are restored to glory. This is a meticulous process that requires patience, dexterity, and a real passion for butterflies. Scroll down for Bored Panda’s exclusive in-depth interview with Katie VanBlaricum, the woman who was responsible for the butterfly’s successful wing transplant.

As unbelievably cool as it sounds, Insect Art’s founder isn’t the only person doing surgery on butterflies: be sure to read Bored Panda’s post about Romy McCloskey and how she repairs butterflies’ broken wings as well.

More info: InsectArtOnline.com | Facebook

The founder of Insect Art helped a Monarch butterfly fly again by repairing its wings

Katie VanBlaricum, the founder of Insect Art from Topeka in Kansas, elaborated about the butterfly surgery in an interview with Bored Panda.

“It is not difficult for me to repair the wings since I work with dead insects for a living.  It takes me less than 5 minutes to do the repair. You have to work fast, to avoid stressing the butterfly out any more than necessary.”

“I have a friend who works at a butterfly conservatory, and I have seen his “Frankenstein” butterflies flying around there, so I knew it was possible. I asked him for advice, as well as consulting the internet,” Katie explained.

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The transplant was a success!

Image credits: Insect Art

The butterfly was regaining its strength after the transplant…

Image credits: Insect Art

“I have always been interested in insects and wildlife.  My “Insect Art” business has been around for nearly 14 years now, and I make my living buying and selling insect specimens for art and science. They always come from sustainably farmed sources.”

“I did take some entomology classes in college, but my degree was in Anthropology. My favorite thing about insects is their diversity,” Katie went into detail. “Any shape or color or behavior you can dream up, there’s an insect for that! I am very much inspired by people like Steve Irwin whose passion it was to make the world love the underappreciated animals.”

…and later flew off into the sky!

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Image credits: Insect Art

“Lots of people think they don’t like “bugs”, but once they come to know and understand them, most people can find something to love about insects!  I have volunteered for wildlife rehab for over ten years, and I’m a docent at our local zoo, so helping animals and helping people understand animals is a long term passion of mine.”

Katie also confirmed that she has, in fact, volunteered at animal shelters, as well as saved kittens who had wandered onto the road.

The founder of Insect Art has been helping butterflies for several years

Image credits: Insect Art

Image credits: Insect Art

Image credits: Insect Art

“This one was deformed out of the chrysalis, so I did a wing transplant. Hoping he can fly tomorrow,” the creator of Insect Art posted on her Facebook page, detailing that the insect had problems flying from the moment it was born.

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The butterfly surgeon got more than 34,000 likes, 32,000 shares, and 3,800 comments when she posted photos of how she helped the insect in need.

According to the insect doctor, the Monarch butterfly had regained its strength and was able to fly perfectly! Godspeed, little buddy!

The founder of Insect Art makes jewelry from insects by rehydrating them and making them look natural and lifelike. Each piece of jewelry she makes takes her “takes several days, and each end result is unique.”

Here is a step-by-step guide on how to help butterflies fly again

Image credits: Insect Art

Image credits: Insect Art

Image credits: Insect Art

Monarch butterflies are also known as milkweed, the common tiger, the wanderer, and the black veined brown. I don’t know about you, dear Readers, but the common tiger and the wanderer might even sound better than ‘Monarch.’

These butterflies have a wingspan usually between 3.5 and 4 inches (8.9 to 10.2 centimeters). Monarchs are sometimes confused with Viceroys who are patterned and colored similarly but are far smaller and have an extra black stripe across each hindwing.

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You can watch the full video here

During the autumn migration, Monarch butterflies fly thousands of miles southward. What’s also notable about these butterflies is that Monarchs have been bred on the International Space Station. You could even say that they’re out of this world.

What do you think about butterfly surgery? What’s the most beautiful species of butterfly in your opinion? Have you ever helped out an animal in need of help? I saved a snail from getting squashed this morning, for example. Let us know how you’re helping animals in the comments below.

This is what people had to say about the butterfly surgery

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Jonas Grinevičius

Jonas Grinevičius

Writer, BoredPanda staff

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Storytelling, journalism, and art are a core part of who I am. I've been writing and drawing ever since I could walk—there is nothing else I'd rather do. My formal education, however, is focused on politics, philosophy, and economics because I've always been curious about the gap between the ideal and the real. At work, I'm a Senior Writer and I cover a broad range of topics that I'm passionate about: from psychology and changes in work culture to healthy living, relationships, and design. In my spare time, I'm an avid hiker and reader, enjoy writing short stories, and love to doodle. I thrive when I'm outdoors, going on small adventures in nature. However, you can also find me enjoying a big mug of coffee with a good book (or ten) and entertaining friends with fantasy tabletop games and sci-fi movies.

Read less »
Jonas Grinevičius

Jonas Grinevičius

Writer, BoredPanda staff

Storytelling, journalism, and art are a core part of who I am. I've been writing and drawing ever since I could walk—there is nothing else I'd rather do. My formal education, however, is focused on politics, philosophy, and economics because I've always been curious about the gap between the ideal and the real. At work, I'm a Senior Writer and I cover a broad range of topics that I'm passionate about: from psychology and changes in work culture to healthy living, relationships, and design. In my spare time, I'm an avid hiker and reader, enjoy writing short stories, and love to doodle. I thrive when I'm outdoors, going on small adventures in nature. However, you can also find me enjoying a big mug of coffee with a good book (or ten) and entertaining friends with fantasy tabletop games and sci-fi movies.

anonymous

anonymous

Author, Community member

Read more »

This lazy panda forgot to write something about itself.

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anonymous

anonymous

Author, Community member

This lazy panda forgot to write something about itself.

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rebecca102176 avatar
Imajin_A_Shön
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

How wonderful! I didn't realize that was possible. After visiting a butterfly garden years back, they told us never to touch the butterfly wings because it could limit their chances of survival so if you absolutely had to move them, grab carefully by the bottom part of the wings only. It's amazing to see the delicacy involved in this repairing process.

siobhandroudge_1 avatar
SIOBHAN DROUDGE
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's really great that this can be done! I was just wondering if there is any chance of rejection or necrosis? Not criticising, just interested.

ocdrobot avatar
OCDRobot
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm just in awe that this works so well. What a fantastic thing to read and learn about.

leslieparker avatar
Leslie Parker
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is so Awesome! Everyone of us who care about all life here on earth thanks you! I so needed a beautiful story like this!

4msaya avatar
miaow
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Never heard of this in my entire existence. Fantastic !! The butterfly is flying somewhere now, happy and in the sunshine. I'm so happy for it :)

marmitejim avatar
marmitejim
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Where is this supply of wings for transplant coming from......

littlesaresare avatar
littlesaresare
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

At the beginning of the video she said she sacrifices another butterfly to get the wings. If she was getting them from an already-dead butterfly this would be a lot more amazing. Honestly I don't see the point in killing one butterfly to attempt to save another...

Load More Replies...
katykeyes avatar
Katy Keyes
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

What your doing is awesome! PLEASE post another video, maybe from another angle? I really want to see exactly what you're doing but I couldn't see most of the video because your head was in the way! I probably would've done the same thing if I were you, but please make another, I'm so interested!!

smason101 avatar
Sandra Mason
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I take care of monarchs and love to see them come out dry out and fly away. they always circle around it breaks my heart to see one deformed. I don't think I could do what she does with carpel tunnel in both hands. I sent off 100 monarchs last year but only 56 this year because of one very very very dead spider. I would save the gamboling kittens as well!!

shaynameidela avatar
Dorothy Parker
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Very special and wonderful. About 15 years ago My daughter was given a small butterfly box in which to hatch butterflies. Several hatched and matured but one didn't. We tried to help it, fed it flowers, etc. It was traumatic watching this bent sad creature.

klynch4 avatar
Loki’s Lil Butter Knife
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is absolutely amazing! Thank you for saving even the smallest of creatures.

dleahlederman avatar
D Leah Lederman
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Wow! I've raised monarchs from caterpillars, and once crazy glued a chrysalis to the top of a jar when it fell (don't ask) but never thought of transplanting a wing. And there was a butterfly who could have used one, too - chrysalis in an awkward position.

rl_2 avatar
R L
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Interesting. I also wondered how they fed- wouldn't have thought of using a sponge.

lamijunk_2013 avatar
Sunzilla
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Uhm.. How do you get the butterflies to lie still? I'll have to watch that video. My cats maim way to many butterflies.

nehru avatar
Brenda Swann
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If only we would all look after every liVing thing with such care. If only ....

sara_pooh avatar
Sara Samul
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I had no idea that this was even possible, I thought that by having a damaged wing the butterfly was ultimately going to die. It's amazing to see that something so delicate can be repaired so easily! This story made my heart smile!

bronmargaret avatar
Magpie
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Monarch butterflies are amazing they fly incredible distances. >>>>>>https://www.nationalgeographic.com/news/2017/10/monarch-butterfly-migration/

dodsonmichelle avatar
Celtic Pirate Queen
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Huh. So THAT's what my annual membership is financing? Has it occurred to anyone that maybe if we STOPPED meddling with nature (I'm not talking stopping poachers or trophy hunters) just everyday nature, it might actually get better on its own. Watch George Carlin on YouTube regarding global warming & you'll see what I mean.

savannahrussell avatar
wisdom evee
Community Member
4 years ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

this is beutiful until someone finds this and thinks its a crossbreed and tries to sell it for lots of money

rebeccastewart avatar
Rebecca Stewart
Community Member
4 years ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

Sorry what? She tears off the old wing and super glues a new one on?

brblog avatar
Claudia Machado
Community Member
4 years ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

Six weeks later, the butterfly is dead. It had the chance to pass on its genes. The defected genes as well. So now it's likely that other small butterfly are hatching without wings or only deformed wings. Some will soon die, others will find some angel who will make them live six more weeks and pass on their genes. Natural selection defeated.

liz-bowler avatar
Foustri
Community Member
4 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

There is a parasite, Ophryocystis elektroscirrha, that can infect Monarch butterflies as caterpillars and cause them to emerge from the chrysalis with crumpled wings. Since parasites aren't hereditary, the lepidopterists at the zoo probably identified this particular butterfly as infected with OE and decided it deserved a second chance. The monarch butterfly population and migration are in decline because of human interference. We should do all we can to support and protect the remaining Monarch butterflies and help them rebuild their population.

Load More Replies...
rebecca102176 avatar
Imajin_A_Shön
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

How wonderful! I didn't realize that was possible. After visiting a butterfly garden years back, they told us never to touch the butterfly wings because it could limit their chances of survival so if you absolutely had to move them, grab carefully by the bottom part of the wings only. It's amazing to see the delicacy involved in this repairing process.

siobhandroudge_1 avatar
SIOBHAN DROUDGE
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's really great that this can be done! I was just wondering if there is any chance of rejection or necrosis? Not criticising, just interested.

ocdrobot avatar
OCDRobot
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm just in awe that this works so well. What a fantastic thing to read and learn about.

leslieparker avatar
Leslie Parker
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is so Awesome! Everyone of us who care about all life here on earth thanks you! I so needed a beautiful story like this!

4msaya avatar
miaow
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Never heard of this in my entire existence. Fantastic !! The butterfly is flying somewhere now, happy and in the sunshine. I'm so happy for it :)

marmitejim avatar
marmitejim
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Where is this supply of wings for transplant coming from......

littlesaresare avatar
littlesaresare
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

At the beginning of the video she said she sacrifices another butterfly to get the wings. If she was getting them from an already-dead butterfly this would be a lot more amazing. Honestly I don't see the point in killing one butterfly to attempt to save another...

Load More Replies...
katykeyes avatar
Katy Keyes
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

What your doing is awesome! PLEASE post another video, maybe from another angle? I really want to see exactly what you're doing but I couldn't see most of the video because your head was in the way! I probably would've done the same thing if I were you, but please make another, I'm so interested!!

smason101 avatar
Sandra Mason
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I take care of monarchs and love to see them come out dry out and fly away. they always circle around it breaks my heart to see one deformed. I don't think I could do what she does with carpel tunnel in both hands. I sent off 100 monarchs last year but only 56 this year because of one very very very dead spider. I would save the gamboling kittens as well!!

shaynameidela avatar
Dorothy Parker
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Very special and wonderful. About 15 years ago My daughter was given a small butterfly box in which to hatch butterflies. Several hatched and matured but one didn't. We tried to help it, fed it flowers, etc. It was traumatic watching this bent sad creature.

klynch4 avatar
Loki’s Lil Butter Knife
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is absolutely amazing! Thank you for saving even the smallest of creatures.

dleahlederman avatar
D Leah Lederman
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Wow! I've raised monarchs from caterpillars, and once crazy glued a chrysalis to the top of a jar when it fell (don't ask) but never thought of transplanting a wing. And there was a butterfly who could have used one, too - chrysalis in an awkward position.

rl_2 avatar
R L
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Interesting. I also wondered how they fed- wouldn't have thought of using a sponge.

lamijunk_2013 avatar
Sunzilla
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Uhm.. How do you get the butterflies to lie still? I'll have to watch that video. My cats maim way to many butterflies.

nehru avatar
Brenda Swann
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If only we would all look after every liVing thing with such care. If only ....

sara_pooh avatar
Sara Samul
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I had no idea that this was even possible, I thought that by having a damaged wing the butterfly was ultimately going to die. It's amazing to see that something so delicate can be repaired so easily! This story made my heart smile!

bronmargaret avatar
Magpie
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Monarch butterflies are amazing they fly incredible distances. >>>>>>https://www.nationalgeographic.com/news/2017/10/monarch-butterfly-migration/

dodsonmichelle avatar
Celtic Pirate Queen
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Huh. So THAT's what my annual membership is financing? Has it occurred to anyone that maybe if we STOPPED meddling with nature (I'm not talking stopping poachers or trophy hunters) just everyday nature, it might actually get better on its own. Watch George Carlin on YouTube regarding global warming & you'll see what I mean.

savannahrussell avatar
wisdom evee
Community Member
4 years ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

this is beutiful until someone finds this and thinks its a crossbreed and tries to sell it for lots of money

rebeccastewart avatar
Rebecca Stewart
Community Member
4 years ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

Sorry what? She tears off the old wing and super glues a new one on?

brblog avatar
Claudia Machado
Community Member
4 years ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

Six weeks later, the butterfly is dead. It had the chance to pass on its genes. The defected genes as well. So now it's likely that other small butterfly are hatching without wings or only deformed wings. Some will soon die, others will find some angel who will make them live six more weeks and pass on their genes. Natural selection defeated.

liz-bowler avatar
Foustri
Community Member
4 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

There is a parasite, Ophryocystis elektroscirrha, that can infect Monarch butterflies as caterpillars and cause them to emerge from the chrysalis with crumpled wings. Since parasites aren't hereditary, the lepidopterists at the zoo probably identified this particular butterfly as infected with OE and decided it deserved a second chance. The monarch butterfly population and migration are in decline because of human interference. We should do all we can to support and protect the remaining Monarch butterflies and help them rebuild their population.

Load More Replies...
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