If you have a kid, or are just a kid at heart, you need to get yourself an Insect Lore Butterfly kit. This kit provides you the opportunity to watch caterpillars transform into butterflies and then release them into nature to fly free. It is such a fun transformation and so easy to manage.
I did this a few times when my kids were little but think that I am going to make it an annual tradition just for me now. Ironically, my kiddo who has flown the nest is coming for a visit so he will be here for the big release.
Here is how it works:
- Order Your Kit. The kit includes instructions and a habitat that you will use once the caterpillars form their chrysalides. Depending on the kit you order, the caterpillars will either be included or you will get a voucher to redeem for the caterpillars.
- Grow the Caterpillars. The 5 caterpillars come self-contained in a cup with all the food that they need for roughly 7-10 days before they transform into their chrysalides. I had one runt that did not make it which I think is fairly common but you are guaranteed to get at least 3 to the butterfly stage. You will be SHOCKED at how quickly they grow and molt over those days! Once they form their chrysalis you wait 3 days for them to harden and then move the lid of the cup to which they have attached themselves to into the habitat.
Day 1 – I have named them Bert, Ernie, Slimey and Big Bird.
Day 3 – Look at that growth! RIP Slimey.
Day 6 – Seriously – look how big!
Day 8 – Going to create chrysalis any minute now.
- Wait, Wait Wait for the Painted Lady Butterflies to Emerge. About 7-10 days after forming the chrysalis, the butterflies will begin to emerge. Most likely in the 1-hour timeframe that you are at the dog park.
Serious, I still have 3 more to go so might catch one yet. Nope, the next 2 opened while I was at pilates, and not sure about the last one – sneaky little buggers.
Day 10 – Everyone is in their chrysalis.
Day 10 – Moving on up to the big house!
Day 18 – And then there was a butterfly!
Day 18 – And then there were 2 – interestingly, all of them broke free within 5 hours of each other even though they formed their chrysalis over 2 days.
- Watch and feed the butterflies. Two to three hours after they emerge from the chrysalis it is time to provide some food. In this case, it is 3 t. sugar to 1 cup water on a soaked cotton ball or small slices of fresh fruit like watermelon, orange, or banana. I had some bananas that I was saving for this but of course, someone ate them yesterday so I am getting the first one started on sugar – hope his teeth don’t rot.
- Set them free – free free, set them free. Release them within 4 days from emergence when temperatures are between 55 and 90 Fahrenheit. I cannot wait to watch them flutter away though would be nice if they stuck around in our yard. The butterfly life cycle is approximately 3 weeks with females laying eggs 5 to 7 days after emerging from the chrysalis.
Now that my butterfly babies are out in the real world it is time to get my ladybug kit – have not ever had this one so will be sure to report back.
