Witness one of nature's most spectacular transformations up close with this reusable, collapsible habitat. Fine, transparent mesh lets you see butterfly metamorphosis up close. Product includes easy-to-use feeder and complete instructions for habitat. Butterfly larvae with food shipped directly to your home. The habitat collapses for storage when not in use. You can adopt and raise a handful of caterpillars, watch them transform into painted lady butterflies, then lift the garden cover to release your beautiful specimens into the wild. This exciting habitat makes a fabulous introduction to the miracles of nature. The larvae and food available round the year.
Did you know that painted ladies (the butterflies, that is) taste with their feet and have 10,000 eyes? You and your kids will be fascinated by all you learn about these beautiful creatures with the Butterfly Garden from Insect Lore. The kit comes with a relatively easy-to-assemble observation chamber; supplies for feeding the butterflies (you provide only sugar and water); an informative booklet of clear instructions and butterfly facts; and a certificate for three to five free painted lady caterpillars. The metamorphosis from larva to butterfly takes about three weeks from when you receive the caterpillar larvae (which arrive in a small container with all the nutrients they need). Your children can watch the larvae increase dramatically in size, form chrysalides, and finally emerge into full-fledged painted ladies (it's suggested that they release the butterflies after a few days of observation). This would make a wonderful activity for families with kids of any age, but younger children will need help assembling the observation chamber and reading the instruction booklet. (Note: The manufacturer recommends that butterflies should not be set free in temperatures lower than 55 degrees Fahrenheit.) --Rachel Radway
Customer Reviews:
Avg. Customer Rating: 4.5 / 5.0
Very educational and fun:
We mailed in the coupon to receive the caterpillars in mid July, and all 10 survived the hot summer mailbox. Within a week they turned into chrysalids, and after about another week the butterflies just popped out! We got one of them coming out on video camera - they come out quick! One of them couldn't come out quite right, but even the 3 on the floor on a paper towel came out just fine. They weren't too crazy about sugar water, so I did some research and thought maybe the concentration wasn't high... more info
the whole family loved it:
My daughter received this from her aunt for her 6th birthday in December. We mailed the enclosed pre-paid card to redeem the larvae in late February. I'm not sure where this was purchased, but there were no hidden, additional costs for us, although my sister paid around $25 for the kit. It took about 2 weeks to receive the larvae, which was packed carefully and properly labeled so the Post Office didn't damage it. It contained 5 larvae and we had 100% success. Facinating to watch as they grow daily. At the... more info
butterfly house:
This was a gift for my niece that she requested. I had given her a similar product (from the same company) earlier and she really liked it. So she wanted another one for her birthday. I was very pleased with the quick delivery and it arrived in fine shape.
lame extra costs:
I was really disappointed to find that I had to send off to get the catipellers after the package came. Then they never came. Pretty lame! I do like the idea, lets just hope someone else copies the concept and makes it better with better customer service.
