It is not hard to raise painted lady butterflies at home or in the classroom. You do not need to start with eggs. Most people raise butterflies from caterpillars. There are a number of sources on the internet where you can order painted lady caterpillars. (I ordered mine from InsectLore and also bought a netted habitat for keeping the butterflies after they emerged from their chrysalises.) The tiny caterpillars come in a plastic cup, a supply of food, and directions for care. It usually takes about three weeks for the caterpillars to grow, form a chrysalis, and transform into butterflies.
If you find a painted lady caterpillar on a wild thistle plant or on a hollyhock leaf, you may be able to watch it grow by feeding it fresh leaves every day. The butterfly will emerge about 8-10 days after it forms the chrysalis. Within a few days after the butterfly emerges, you should release it so it can live in the wild.
Books Magazine
Author's Latest Articles
-
BOOK SIGNING AT FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY CELEBRATION, Palms-Rancho Park Library, Los Angeles, CA
-
AUTHOR VISIT AT GOLDEN VIEW SCHOOL, Huntington Beach, CA
-
MY ART ON EXHIBIT AT UCLA: The Silvia Winstein UCLA Emeriti/Retirees Arts and Crafts Exhibit 2024
-
AUTHOR VISIT AT WPC PRESCHOOL, Los Angeles, CA