Raising butterflies and raising awareness

Scott Piccotti • June 20, 2025

Meet Michelle, the butterfly educator behind our photo workshops

Our longtime friend and customer Michelle Ayello has been raising butterflies for educational programs for more than 10 years! We sat down to talk with her about how she got started, what motivates her, and to take a look at some of these tiny, amazing animals up close.

Michelle's journey began at a sunflower farm, where she was photographing butterflies and bees. It was there that she noticed caterpillars and, with the farmer’s permission, brought six home. Although one caterpillar didn’t survive, five transformed into chrysalises, and one emerged as a butterfly. This experience sparked Michelle’s interest in the challenges caterpillars face, leading her to conduct extensive research. The following year, Michelle’s efforts paid off and she successfully raised over 100 monarchs.

She learned about their endangered status and felt compelled to contribute to their conservation. Her passion for butterflies expanded to include raising black swallowtails, spice bush swallowtails, zebra swallowtails, and even moths, such as the luna moth. Did you know that luna moth caterpillars move around in their cocoon to startle and scare away predators? I didn’t know that until I got to hold one of her cocoons and feel it for myself!

Michelle finds joy in observing the metamorphosis of butterflies, from egg to caterpillar to chrysalis to adult butterfly. This process has deepened her connection with nature and encouraged her to spend more time outdoors. She is also dedicated to educating others about these fascinating insects. Many people have never seen a caterpillar or butterfly up close, and Michelle’s educational programs offer them a unique experience.

Michelle often works with the Wildlands Conservancy, where she provides butterflies for monarch tagging events in September. She also offers programs where participants can learn about various butterflies and moths. If you’re interested in joining her, be sure to check the Wildlands Conservancy’s website for upcoming events.

We’re so happy to be able to work with Michelle, a longtime friend of ours, to bring you our Butterfly Photo Workshops. And if photographing butterflies and caterpillars sounds interesting to you, we hope you’re able to join us!