Can I keep adult butterflies once they have emerged?

If you rear your monarchs responsibly, it is best to release them 24 hrs after they eclose so they can live with the wild population. We do not recommend keeping them or using them for captive breeding purposes. If you are not releasing them because it is too late in the season and they have missed their migratory window, you may choose to care for them until they pass or euthanize them humanely by placing it in the freezer.