Stages of a Butterfly

Henry and Nelson were given this really cool butterfly garden by Insect Lore from their Nana and Papa for their birthday. It has been the most amazing thing for the boys to watch. It takes about 2 weeks from the time the little teeny caterpillars arrive in the mail. Just like in the Hungry Caterpillar book, they eat and eat and grow and grow. Once they form into their little cocoons or chrysalis, they are moved into their garden home. After about a week, the butterflies emerge. For a five-year-old you can imagine the excitement.

The caterpillars arrive in this little cup.

When they form the chrysalis cocoons they are moved into their home.

Nelson is checking out the progress.

Once they emerge as butterflies you have to feed them. These are carnation petals with sugar water droplets sprinkled on.

We have 5 butterflies this morning. 100% success rate!

Henry checking out the new hatchlings before school this morning.

Their home.

Aren't they lovely... We'll release them on Sunday afternoon.

On a sadder note... Our fish success rate is 0-2. Apparently we are better at growing butterflies then we are raising fish...