Caterpillars/Butterfly Questions
I am ordering for a School, when is the best time to start the project?
The butterfly cycle is very much temperature-dependent, so we can never be accurate on how long the cycle will take in your particular setting.
At the start of the caterpillar season in March and April, please allow at least 5 weeks for the cycle to complete. If your setting is cool overnight you can store the caterpillar cups away in a cupboard, or cover them with a towel.
As the weather warms up, the cycle will start to decrease in time, reducing to around 3 weeks in the height of summer, before returning to 4-5 in September.
Before ordering, take into account your term dates so the children don't miss any of the project.
Please feel free to call, email or use the online chat facility for further advice.
I'd like to order a Live Butterfly Garden as a gift, but don't know whether the recipient is ready to take care of the live insects at this time. What should I do?
The "Send Kit with voucher” option would be best for you. The Butterfly Kit will include a voucher that can be redeemed for a Cup of Caterpillars at no extra cost, so the recipient can decide when they are ready to receive the Cup of Caterpillars.
The Voucher kits are sent out straight away, rather then you choosing a send out date as you would with a Live kit.
How soon after arriving does the caterpillar project start?
If you have ordered a Live kit or cup, then the cycle has already begun and the caterpillars should be removed from the parcel as soon as possible after arrival.
Where can I find Insect Lore Butterfly Kit Instructions?
Where can I observe an instructional video of my Insect Lore Live Butterfly Garden?
Please visit our Information page or for more videos visit our Youtube channel.
Are caterpillars available year-round?
No, we dispatch caterpillars March to mid-September each year. Outside of this time period it is just too cold for them. You can however pre-order outside of the caterpillar season.
Please note that in order to ensure the survival of your caterpillars, delivery may be delayed during extreme temperatures.
Do I need to sign for my caterpillars upon arrival?
No, there is usually no need to sign for your package unless your order is particularly large, in which case we may have sent it with a courier, or if you have paid additional for a courier service.
We strongly suggest, however, that you are prepared to open your package immediately upon receipt.
How long is the butterfly life cycle?
Approximately 3-5 weeks, depending on the time of year.
At the start of the season in March and April, the cycle is generally around 5 weeks, this time reduces as the weather improves, at the height of summer the cycle can be as little as 3 weeks to complete. As the weather cools in September the cycle will go back to 4-5 weeks.
The female butterflies lay eggs 5 to 7 days after emerging from the chrysalis. The eggs hatch after three days. Caterpillars emerge from the eggs and usually eat for 7 to 14 days before forming chrysalides. Adult butterflies usually emerge from the chrysalides in 7 to 14 days. Don’t worry if your caterpillars/chrysalides take a little longer to complete each stage.
I only have one voucher to redeem for a cup of caterpillars, can I order more cups at the same time?
Yes, you can buy a refill cup of caterpillars and food here.
I have lost my voucher, what do I do?
Unfortunately, if your voucher was part of a kit we have no way of tracing your voucher code. We are unable to replace these, as each code is unique to your kit.
If your voucher was purchased directly from us as an individual item only, not part of a kit, we may have a log of the code, please contact us via chat or by email with your order number and we will check for you.
Cups of caterpillars can be purchased without a voucher here.
I received caterpillars instead of butterfly eggs. Can I get a replacement?
Insect Lore ships live caterpillars. We do not offer live butterfly eggs.
My caterpillars have just arrived and are not moving, are they dead?
Your caterpillars may not move for the first day or two after arrival, this is perfectly normal. They are settling in after their journey and getting ready to moult.
Silk webbing in the cup is a positive sign.
If you have any concerns after 48hrs have passed, please contact us and attach a photo of your caterpillars.
I have received less than 5 caterpillars, can I have more sent?
During the production of transfer and capping the caterpillars in the cups, it may be possible that some are miscounted or escape.
So whilst they strive to provide 5 in each cup, it cannot ever be guaranteed that this will always be the case, although it is very uncommon to have less than 5 caterpillars.
Because of this, we advertise the cups as containing 3-5 caterpillars, and as always offer the butterfly guarantee.
Should you ever receive less than 3 caterpillars in a cup, we would of course replace this as it would not be possible for the cup to meet our guarantee of 3 perfect butterflies at the end of the cycle.
My cup has arrived with/developed condensation, what do I do?
Sometimes condensation can appear in the pot if the cup has experienced a sudden change in temperature, this could have happened during transit. The moisture needs to be removed as soon as possible as the wet environment is not healthy for the caterpillars.
Gently remove the lid of the caterpillar cup and using a clean piece of tissue/paper towelling wipe around the inside of the pot whilst ensuring you do not touch the food at the bottom, and avoid the caterpillars as much as possible.
Ideally leave the lid off for 5 to 10 minutes to help dry out any remaining moisture and then replace it.
Please ensure the caterpillars are kept away from direct sunlight and any heat sources.
Do my caterpillars have enough air?
Yes. If you look carefully and you will see there are air holes punched in the centre of the lid.
Should I provide water for my caterpillars?
No. Your caterpillars have all the moisture they need. Remember to keep your cup of caterpillars away from direct sunlight. Direct sunlight will cause the inside of the cup to heat up and form condensation. This condensation can cause your caterpillars to sicken and die.
Can I handle my cup of caterpillars?
Yes! You may handle your cup, but always be very gentle. Do not disturb the cup at all during the two days your caterpillars are pupating (changing into chrysalides). And never shake your cup of caterpillars!
Can I remove the lid of the cup and touch my caterpillars?
No. Removing the lid could introduce bacteria and mould into the caterpillar environment. Oils and salts from your hands could harm your caterpillars.
Do not open the cup until your chrysalides have formed and it is time to move them to your butterfly habitat.
What does the word "larva" mean?
“Larva” is another word for “caterpillar”!
Why are my caterpillars spinning silky webbing?
It is a good sign if you see webbing in your cup of caterpillars.
In nature the webbing protects the caterpillars from many dangers. Caterpillars use the webbing to stick to their host plants, as the wind can easily blow them off the leaves. Caterpillars also use the silk to pull leaves around themselves to hide from predators that might like to eat them!