We loved checking out our caterpillars everyday to see if something happened overnight! The butterflies emerged from the chrysalises one morning when our backs were turned; it happened in an instant, so unfortunately we didn't get to see that part! One of our caterpillars didn't make it, but we were able to see four caterpillars transition from chrysalises to beautiful Painted Lady Butterflies. These are pictures from our experience last summer, and I am seriously considering doing it again.
When you send in your card for your caterpillars, this is what you get!
Looks gross, doesn't it?!
Don't move the jar! The chrysalises are very sensitive to movement.
One butterfly emerged during the night-- the others (which are pinned to the left side of the habitat) came a day or two later.
Tyler was captivated!
New friends : )
Spread your wings, butterfly!
Have you ever grown a butterfly garden before? If not, I highly recommend it. It was a great experience. We loved every minute of it! I am thankful I took all these pictures and started blogging so we could re-live one of our favorite memories and share it with you!
We just watched my son's teacher release their preschool class butterflies - so neat! They weren't nearly as eager to fly off as yours - a couple had to be shaken out of their little home! I'm hoping to do this with my kids at home next year.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing with Learning Laboratory at Mama Smiles =)
Oh wow they get huge! We bought some and they arrived three days ago. They have already grown so much. I had no idea they got as big as your picture shows. That is so cool. I am very excited.
ReplyDeleteYes, they did get pretty big! They were so fun to watch-- enjoy the process!!
DeleteI really want to do this with my library kids. It may be a children's garden club project!
ReplyDeleteAww, my class would love this:)
ReplyDeleteThis is in my plans for activities this Spring! I love your picture of Tyler smiling at them--he looks so engaged! Thanks for sharing at Teach Me Tuesday!!
ReplyDeleteI plan to do this with my little ones - good to know it was so much fun!
ReplyDeleteI considered doing that this year, but I think I'm going to wait until next spring. Looks so fun and love how it's so 'hands on' for the kids to watch!
ReplyDeleteDefinitely do it!
DeleteWe've got this too. Ours are currently a few days into their cocoons. So exciting waiting for the butterflies to emerge!!!!
ReplyDeleteIsn't it though?! This was so fun... and be sure to watch those cocoons carefully! They "hatch" in an instant!
DeleteSo incredible! Quite an experience for little ones to see!! Thanks for linking up with Weekly Kid's Co-Op!
ReplyDeleteMy kids would absolutely love this! What a great experience to watch. Thanks for linking up this week to my Enchanted Thursdays Blog Hop.
ReplyDeleteOh my, that picture of your son is so sweet. We are awaiting our butterflies to emerge from the chrysalids. :-)
ReplyDeleteMy daughter would love this!! Must have been great experience! Have featured it on my blog today, come grab a button:) http://www.puttiprapancha.com/2012/05/butterflies-kids-co-op.html
ReplyDeleteSounds way too cool! Can I ask where you bought the kit? And is right now a good time to grow the butterflies?
ReplyDeleteI bought the kit through Amazon. You can click directly on the picture at the top and it'll take your right to the page. Right now I see it is $14.99-- I did get mine for a couple dollars less, but still a great deal and SO much fun!! Just note that you'll have to send in a card for the caterpillars, which will take a few weeks to get. We are in the Midwest and did ours in June and it was perfect!
DeleteGreat! Thanks :) We are in Chicago ..so this sounds like a perfect summer vacation project :)
Deletewe just released our butterflies this week. It is such a great activity to do with kids isn't it.
ReplyDeleteThanks for linking up! That last picture is a beautiful shot of that butterfly :)
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