Last spring, I saw a mass of yellow butterflies just hovering in a sphere above a small tree. What was happening?

Kenn and Kimberly: FREEZE FOR LATER

Some insects engage in mating swarms. One example involves a group with the charming name of dance flies. In some species of dance flies, males gather in a loose sphere above a shrub or other object, flying up and down and around while they wait for females to enter the dance. Such swarms can be noticeable from quite a distance. This kind of behavior is known for various orders of insects but not for any butterflies in your area, so you may have witnessed a highly unusual event. There is still a lot to be learned about the lives of insects. the store, save excess ones in the freezer for up to a year to keep them fresh. When the temperature outside gets too hot, it’s best to put away suet until fall rolls back around.