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This is one of the most fun activities that we have ever done together as a family. Our girls loved watching the entire process of the caterpillar to chrysalis to butterfly, and we continue the tradition each summer.

What You’ll Need

* Caterpillars
* Caterpillar Food
* Caterpillar Container

Directions

The caterpillar issue can be a bit tricky if you are finding them in the wild because most caterpillars will only eat one certain type of plant. So if you find the caterpillars on the plant that they eat, you are in luck. Otherwise, you can order painted lady (and other types) caterpillars and their food online.

You will also need a container for the caterpillars. We have done this with wild caterpillars in just a bug jar and with ordered caterpillars in a fancier butterfly habitat - both worked. Just make sure that you have something in your bug jar for the caterpillars to attach their chrysalis to, and make sure that it is well ventilated.

Be sure to watch the caterpillars often because it is fascinating to watch them build their chrysalis. And when they have made their transformation, make sure to keep the container still. We had a close call when my 4 year old shook the container, and we didn't think one of them was going to make it (thankfully, it did.)

Also, when the new butterflies emerge, remember that they need to dry their wings before you let them go. A definite advantage to having the butterfly habitat was that there was plenty of room for the butterflies so we kept them for a couple of days before we let them go. They were so tame that the girls could reach in and the butterflies would land right on their fingers and even stay while they held them outside of their habitat.

We did let them go, and the girls were sure that every butterfly we saw that summer was one of ours!

Submitted by Candace Krieger