The release of alien (non-native) species poses two main problems: ecological and ethical. While a few exotic butterflies released into the wild may not represent an immediate problem, widespread practice could lead to unpredictable environmental risks. Alien species bred in butterfly farms worldwide often carry high levels of parasitism, acting as vectors for viruses, fungi, and bacteria potentially lethal to local populations. Furthermore, if an alien species acclimates to the local environment, it may cause the extinction of one or more native populations due to competition for the same ecological niche. This has already occurred, for example, with the Asian ladybird (Harmonia axyridis), which was massively released for biological control and is now displacing native ladybird species, as widely documented in scientific literature. These problems do not arise if the species is native, migratory, abundant, and widespread in the release area. The ethical issue also concerns the likely short survival of individuals from exotic locations that are not adapted to local environments. Moreover, according to Article 727, first paragraph, of the Italian Penal Code, releasing non-native animal species on national territory constitutes the crime of “Animal Abandonment.”
This may seem paradoxical but is very important. Our activity is not aimed at reintroducing extinct species or reinforcing weak local populations. The primary aim is educational and aesthetic. Reintroducing locally extinct or rare species without proper criteria and thorough scientific study could worsen their status. Conversely, an abundant and well-distributed population will benefit from the release of healthy, genetically compatible individuals.
Strong dispersal ensures genetic homogeneity, uniform parasite loads, and consistent environmental adaptations across the species’ distribution area. This prevents strong differentiation between populations, which could otherwise resemble the introduction of alien populations (albeit of the same species). Preferably, species with populations exhibiting distinct migratory routes should be avoided, as mixing these routes could disrupt long-established migratory patterns (though this has not been demonstrated in Lepidoptera).
Modern science allows assessment of population differentiation using specific genetic markers. DNA sequencing can reveal differentiation levels and quantify gene flow between populations. Projects like DNA Barcoding provide mitochondrial sequence databases useful for such analyses. Therefore, a species used for releases should be supported by genetic structure studies to identify geographic areas where releasing individuals from certain populations may not be appropriate.
Butterflies must be bred, not removed from wild populations. This is crucial for pathogen control, as sourcing externally would hinder disease management. To prevent inbreeding depression and captivity adaptation, a number of wild breeders are periodically introduced into breeding colonies, respecting the “one effective migrant per generation” genetic rule. This prevents local adaptation to captivity, which could weaken butterflies for survival in the wild.
Like all living organisms, butterflies can get sick. In the wild, about 1 in 100 caterpillars survives to adulthood mainly due to diseases (a natural condition). Diagnosing butterfly diseases requires extensive scientific expertise and species-specific studies. Released butterflies must be free from major pathogens that could impact local populations. Even a breeding colony with circulating pathogens would be unsustainable beyond one or two generations. Our butterflies are screened using non-invasive microscopy techniques (no harm to butterflies) to produce healthy colonies and are sampled before release.
Imagine a cloud of butterflies taking flight in that special moment, bringing a touch of natural enchantment and unexpected beauty.
Give your guests a special keepsake. An original and sustainable choice that pairs perfectly with the Butterfly Release.