My Story
Hello, I’m so excited to see you here! My name is Ryan Malone, and I am the owner of The Hatchery Butterfly Farm, a privately-owned small business located in the Riverside area of Wichita, KS. My focus is on breeding and rearing butterflies native to Kansas and surrounding regions.
I believe that a system of healthy pollinators is fundamental in the creation of the produce and goods upon which we depend—more than 90% of all plants need a pollinator to move pollen to create fruit. Unfortunately, habitat loss, overuse of pesticides, and effects of climate change have all contributed to the rapid decline of pollinator populations around the world.
To battle these unfortunate circumstances, I am tirelessly working to bolster pollinator populations via education, native habitat restoration projects, and utilizing ecologically friendly gardening practices. By providing hands-on, easily accessible, and educational experiences for people of all ages, I hope to raise awareness and garner support for our struggling pollinators.
Why Butterflies?
Around the globe butterflies are considered to be symbols of rebirth, joy, hope, endurance, and lightness of being. They represent the courage to embrace transformation for a better life. People endearingly call them “flying flowers,” enriching our lives with their fleeting beauty.
However, butterflies shouldn’t just be limited to an ethereal representation of beauty—they can be quite bad*ss! Some larvae sequester and store poisonous compounds from plants (Monarchs and Pipevine Swallowtails), some are carnivorous (Harvester butterfly), and some drug ants, turning them into personal bodyguards (Japanese Oakblue Butterfly).
Butterflies serve a crucial role in the ecological environment as pollinators for plants. As butterflies move from flower to flower, their bodies are dusted with pollen. Plants and their pollinators have evolved side-by-side, often requiring the unique anatomical structures of specific pollinators to set fruit. Researchers at North Carolina State University studied the pollination process of flame azaleas and discovered that "due to the flower’s unique reproductive structure, butterflies – and specifically, their wings – are the key to pollination."
You can have confidence in us.
We know that sometimes finding trustworthy, pesticide-free plants to feed your caterpillars can be challenging, always questioning if what was bought at the store or local nursery will be safe. We utilize biological control methods such as ladybugs and predatory mites to ensure that our plants remain pesticide-free and are safe for caterpillar consumption.
Continuing Education
2024:
Advanced Disease Prevention in Lepidoptera - Course
Association for Butterflies - Led by Edith Lee Smith
Raising Oe-Free Monarchs - Course
International Butterfly Breeders Association - Led by Rose Franklin
The Business of Butterflies - Course
International Butterfly Breeders Association - Led by Parker and Michael Bautner
Larval Host Plants and How to Use Them - Course
International Butterfly Breeders Association - Led by Ryan Malone
Plant Preparedness
International Butterfly Breeders Association - Group Info Share
Start Clean & Stay Clean SOP’s
International Butterfly Breeders Association - Led by Connie Hodsdon - Group Info Share
Acquiring Breeding Stock from The Wild
International Butterfly Breeders Association - Led by Todd Stout - Group Info Share
Successful Moth Breeding
International Butterfly Breeders Association - Led by Jachus Sundby - Group Info Share
Prolong Milkweed and Host Plant Availability
International Butterfly Breeders Association - Group Info Share
Dealing With Diseases - Protocols
International Butterfly Breeders Association - Group Info Share
Overwintering Stock & Shutting Down
International Butterfly Breeders Association - Led by Todd Stout & Randy Reed - Group Info Share
“The Marvelous Monarch: How Does This Migration Thing Work?”
International Butterfly Breeders Association - Presented by Guest Speaker Steve McCurdy, Representative of Monarch Watch - Group Info Share
2023:
Advanced Disease in Lepidoptera Course
Association for Butterflies - Led by Edith Lee Smith
In-Person Beginner & Advanced Breeders Workshop
International Butterfly Breeders Association - Hosted by Connie Hodsdon - Official IBBA Workshop
The Oe Basics, Risk Factors and Methods of Prevention in the Rearing of Monarchs
International Butterfly Breeders Association - Led by Jachus Sundby - Group Info Share
Exhibiting Butterflies
International Butterfly Breeders Association - Led by John Dailey - Group Info Share
Preparing Host Plants for Production
International Butterfly Breeders Association - Group Info Share
2023 IBBA CONFERENCE
1. “Lab Rearing and Production Systems” - Jachus Sundby
Jachus will discuss creating specific lab environments, choosing the right rearing equipment for each species, and implementing the best standard operating procedures to make lab rearing the most efficient and predictable. Jachus is a lepidoptera researcher, butterfly breeder, owner of Designed for Discovery, and past president of the IBBA.
2. “Larval Host Plants -Crowdsourcing Wisdom” - Ryan Malone
A plant-centered discussion regarding the various common and uncommon larval host plants and their unique uses and benefits in garden design and commercial rearing. In this discussion, we will crowdsource information about host plant species and growing methods we have trialed, with both failure and success. For example, some unique larval hosts do well in the botanical garden setting, but do not have the qualities needed for commercial rearing. Certain species may better withstand environmental stressors (pest pressure, drought, indoor grow room conditions, etc) better than others Explore which plant species do better than others. Which plant species do better in pots, and which do better then cut? Come ready to share, discuss, and absorb botanical wisdom developed through years of experimentation.
Ryan is the owner of The Hatchery Butterfly Farm and is Vice President of the IBBA.
3. “ The Three Ps of Rearing Painted ladies (Vanessa cardui): PPE, Protocol, and Prevention” - Corrianne Brons, Aura Torres-Magana, Gloria Swanson
Join us at our Canadian caterpillar lab for a virtual tour of our indoor rearing facility. We’ll demonstrate a variety of practical sanitation and husbandry techniques you can use to improve the health and safety of your livestock, and prevent introduction or spread of pathogens. A live Q&A with our team will follow.
Corrianne Brons – General Operations Director, Corrianne grew up in the butterfly field and has dedicated 8 years to the development of a year-round, self-sustainable indoor breeding and research facility for Vanessa cardui, as well as developing programs and content for wildlife conservation and education.
Aura Torres-Magana – our Acting Lab Manager and sanitation specialist, Aura has 2 years of cumulative experience in the caterpillar lab and holds a degree in Laboratory Research and Biotechnology with an emphasis on techniques and practical application of molecular and microbiology, biochemistry, and immunology.
Gloria Swanson – with a driving devotion to childhood education and a passion for misunderstood wildlife, Gloria founded Butterfly Wings N’ Wishes in 2000 and is a long term member and former president of the IBBA. Though semi-retired now, Gloria will be in attendance at conference for follow up questions and comments.
4. “From Pre-K to Prison-What a Long Strange Trip It’s Been” - Special Guest Rick Mickula
After 43 years in the butterfly biz, Rick sure has his share of stories to tell. He was a founding member of the IBBA and has written several books and has countless TV and radio shows to his credit. From pre-k to prisons, he seems to have done it all. Known for his quirky sense of humor, Rick will share some of his butterfly tales that will surely make you laugh, cry, and become part of you. One thing is for sure, you never know what he will say next!
5. Special Guest Monarch Butterfly Scientist Dr. Orley “Chip” Taylor
Chip Tayor will join us virtually and will speak on the following topics with plenty of time for discussion, questions and answers:
1) The pending listing for monarch butterflies
2) Monarch biology and demography
3) Lepidoptera reproductive biology
Dr Taylor is founder and (retired) director of Monarch Watch www.monarchwatch.org , Emeritus Professor-Ecology and Evolutionary Biology University of Kansas. Trained as an insect ecologist, Chip Taylor has published papers on species assemblages, hybridization, reproductive biology, population dynamics and plant demographics and pollination. In 1992, Dr. Taylor founded Monarch Watch, an outreach program focused on education, research and conservation of monarch butterflies.
6. “Butterfly Diseases” - Dr. Roberto M. Pereira
During the lecture, Dr Pereira will shed light on a diverse range of diseases that afflict butterflies. For butterfly farmers, the health and well-being the butterflies are of utmost importance. The lecture will also explore the crucial role of environmental factors in butterfly health, emphasizing the significance of maintaining a healthy habitat for optimal farming success. Learn about the interplay between butterfly
diseases and farming practices, and discover sustainable approaches to prevent disease outbreaks and promote a thriving butterfly population. Dr. Pereira specializes in urban entomology, conducting research and extension on different aspects of the biology and control of insects that live in and around humans. He is also focused on insect pathology and microbial control.
7. “Update from the USDA” - Dr. Ben Slager
Update from the USDA. Dr. Slager will discuss updates hold a question and answer session related to regulations, requirements, transporting, and permitting of the butterfly industry. Dr. Slager is Senior Entomologist USDA Plant Pests, Plant Pathogens, and Biocontrol Permits | Plant Protection and Quarantine | Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service | United States Department of Agriculture
8. “Finding Gravid Females in the Wild” -Todd Stout
This presentation will cover raising butterflies by locating females in the wild and setting them up to lay in captivity. Since males tend to be far more overt in nature as they seek females in the wild, this presentation will cover how to separate males from females on wing both by wing markings and by
behavior. Techniques on setting up females to lay eggs differ by species group and preparation; which will also be covered in detail. Todd is owner of Raising Butterflies. He has over 30 years’ experience studying and raising butterflies. He is a University of Florida Research Associate and described a new subspecies of the Julia orangetip in Western Colorado. He is senior author of a paper (in preparation) of worldwide Anthocharis. He provides butterfly education and field trips through Utah Butterfly Field Trips on Facebook.
9. “Ratty Genes are not a Fashion Statement” - Connie Hodsdon
Keeping a genetically viable colony is essential to the long-term viability of the farm itself. This presentation will cover methods for keeping a thriving butterfly colony. A broad genetic base helps a butterfly farm maintain healthy populations. Connie is owner of Flutterby Gardens of Manatee, is the Executive Director of the IBBA, and is known for her highly successful methods for raising healthy monarch butterflies at her commercial butterfly farm.
10. “WingsRising, Inc,” - Patrick Adair
The formation and current development of a 501(c)(3) non-profit public charity to advance projects in science, education, restoration, and permanent preservation of pollinator habitats and populations; and the establishment of an endowment fund to provide longevity and stability for these efforts.
11. “Monarchs and the “E” Word: What’s the Latest?” - Steve McCurdy
A brief look at the history of the monarch’s US Fish and Wildlife listing petition and its status; also just who is IUCN? We’ll try to sort some of this out. Steve is designated by Monarch Watch as a Conservation Specialist and is an active member and volunteer of the Butterfly Society of Virginia
2021:
Advanced Disease in Lepidoptera Course
Association for Butterflies - Led by Edith Lee Smith
2017:
Educational Internship - Shady Oak Butterfly Farm
Mentored by Edith Lee Smith
Disease Prevention Certified
We have been certified in "Advanced Disease Prevention for Lepidoptera" through the Association for Butterflies.
“By purchasing butterflies from farmers who display the seal on their website, you can have confidence that these farmers have completed the course, practice disease prevention through good rearing practices, and know how to keep their stock clean and healthy by recognizing signs and symptoms of unhealthy stock. You are ordering from a knowledgeable, informed professional who understands what to watch for and can help you feel good that you are receiving healthy butterflies or caterpillars.”
About the Owner
Ryan’s love for butterflies began in elementary school in the 90’s when the Monarch butterfly population was at its greatest.
At his elementary school there was an untouched field filled with native prairie plants. In the fall monarch butterflies filled the air. Fast-forward to high school, and the field that had once been filled with butterflies was now filled with turf and soccer players. Ryan co-founded a student organization that aimed to reestablish the native butterfly habitat that once welcomed so many Monarch butterflies. Ryan went on to create several more Monarch Waystations in residential areas.
A few years down the line, Ryan assumed the role as Head Caretaker at Aly’s Blooms Flower Farm during its first year of operation.
During this time he gained experience with organic plant care and other agricultural practices. As one could imagine, the farm was loaded with pollinators. Butterflies would lay eggs on plants destined to be cut flowers. Rather than kill off these caterpillars (commonly seen as agricultural plant pests), he would relocate them to his own plants grown at his home garden.
Ryan then moved on to work at Botanica, The Wichita Gardens as a seasonal gardener.
While there his responsibilities included running and maintaining the butterfly house, display greenhouse, and the Milburn Aquatic Collection. He had the opportunity to present at the KAIRS K-12 Teacher’s Conference, showing teachers ways to incorporate pollinators into their lesson plans and to establish butterfly waystations at their schools. He also led high school students on a tour through Botanica, teaching them about the Monarch life cycle, and showing students hands-on how to tag migrating butterflies.
Ryan began selling Chrysalis Boxes in local businesses like Tree Top Nursery & Landscape, Aly's Blooms, and Ferguson-Phillips Homeware. With these educational boxes, customers could experience the emergence of a butterfly at home with their own eyes. The concept of The Hatchery Butterfly Farm was born. After much development the farm was formally established in 2020. We are small, but growing.