Caterpillar to Butterflies

After years of wanting to do it, we finally got a kit to watch caterpillars grow into butterflies. When I first presented the idea, Asher and Leif weren't very excited, but the other three kids were. Once we got the caterpillars, Asher and Leif did spend quite a bit of time watching them, but their younger siblings were even more interested.They were Painted Lady butterflies, so they looked a bit like Monarchs.

It took them about 10 days to turn into chrysalises, then they stayed that way for about another 10 days, but it was very exciting once they emerged as butterflies.

We kept them for a few days and fed them, then released them. Natalie was so thrilled when the first two butterflies flew away that she chased them across the yard squealing. We watched them for a few minutes, then lost track of them. We hope they are out there pollinating and laying eggs for more butterflies.