The Life Cycle of a Butterfly

Once a teacher always a teacher?

Not sure what possessed me, whether it’s because I won’t let her have a dog or she doesn’t have any siblings, but at Christmas I bought her a Live Butterfly Garden.  In the box, you get the net, all the instructions plus a certificate to order your baby caterpillars when you’re ready.

They arrived a couple of days after we ordered them.  They come in a small pot with everything they need for the first couple of weeks.Live Butterfly Garden

We were amazed how quickly they grew.  They then make their way to the top of the pot, hang upside down and weave themselves into a cocoon.

Preparing to become Chrysallis

Once they all turn into cocoons, you transfer them to the net.

Chrysallis

Then a week to two weeks later, they turn black and will most likely emerge that day.

We came home last night to find four Painted Butterflies.  Can you see all of them?

Painted Butterflies

Sadly, we can’t keep them forever so we released them tonight, but no tears just a lot of excitement and she learned loads.  However, it did take them a lot of persuasion to come out.

Releasing our butterflies

Releasing Butterflies

Releasing Butterflies

Unfortunately, just after they emerged, one got stuck on its back to the bottom of the net, in the red liquid (Meconium) that they eject after they leave the chrysalis.  I tried to rescue it but think one of its wings may have been damaged.

But on the positive side, there seems to be a baby caterpillar left behind so we can do it all again!

Next year we may try stick insects or an ant farm.

 

Author: mediocremum

A slightly older mum of one, who drinks far too much red wine and has an unhealthy obsession with her slow cooker. During the day she's an ICT Trainer, Social Media/Online Marketing consultant and does a bit of public speaking. Full Profile on Google+

5 thoughts on “The Life Cycle of a Butterfly”

  1. I had no idea you could get anything like this – it’s such a lovely idea (and pretty educational too, bonus). Sounds much more fun than stick insects…they don’t really do much, do they?!

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