G got one in August and thought it was the coolest thing ever.
Or - if we're being honest - I thought it was the coolest thing ever. G enjoyed it too.
The caterpillars come via the mail. In a self-contained jar. That includes their food.
You know that's how I like to enjoy "nature."
The caterpillars mosey around their jar, eating & pooping & spinning silk & growing. After about a week, they hang upside down in a little J shape, and shake, and turn into chrysalids. Right before your eyes.
And did I mention that it was the coolest thing ever?
Butterflies emerge in about a week.
We kept them for a few days, loving their beauty, and then released them. Painted lady butterflies are native to the 48 states, and it was warm, so no problem.
G loved it. He chose the spot to release them... near some flowers so the butterflies could stay & enjoy them.
Not so much. Those butterflies were out of dodge. To the neighbor's house and beyond!
I enjoyed it enough that I decided to extensively study butterflies, by consulting a nearby expert, Dr. Google.
He revealed to me that people should never purchase Live Butterfly Gardens, as it messes up local butterfly migrations and interferes with scientific tracking of butterflies, and is not really "nature."
ahem.
In summary.... I recommend that you do all butterfly research via the Live Butterfly Garden kit helpful package inserts. And - if your household currently includes small children - please consult Aunt Heidi before purchasing a kit, as Christmas might be planned.
p.s. On a serious note... I really did appreciate the experience, but do not like the thought of messing up local butterfly migrations. What do you think about that?
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