Product Description 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.
Editorial Review 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
LIVE BUTTERFLY GARDENSeptember 5, 2008 Takes a little over a week to get the caterpillars but they grow fast. Fun to watch and easy to care for.
Amazing to watch.September 1, 2008 I bought this for my sons birthday, and it was such an experience. It was amazing to see the catipilers transitition to the cacoon to watching them emerge into a butterfly. The only down fall was the sadness my son felt when we had to let this beautiful creatures go.
The looks on my daughters face were priceless...August 30, 2008 The looks on my daughters face were priceless when the butterflies emerged from their coccoon.
WonderfulAugust 25, 2008 I bought this for my daughter's 4th birthday. We received 5 caterpillars and she was thrilled. She treated them very gently and kept them out of direct sun. After a few days they went into their cocoons and after 7 days all 5 became butterflies. She loved taking them outside and letting them go. After we watched the last one fly away she said "I am a great butterfly mommy, aren't I". Overall it was a great learning experience. Wonderful product!
NeatAugust 24, 2008 My 6 yr-old asked for the butterfly garden. His father and I were just as fascinated as he was to watch the whole process of them eating, growing, and forming chrysalids. My son was delighted to release his new butterfly "pets" after a few days. I would have preferred having the caterpillars mailed along with the habitat rather than sending off for them separately, though.
