Yes, you can pre-order both the kits and butterflies for release! We offer the convenience of pre-ordering these items, allowing you to plan and secure your purchases well in advance. You can place pre-orders for our kits and butterflies up to 1 year in advance.

The food that is sent with the Caterpillar – Build a Painted Lady Raising Kit is an artificial diet specifically formulated to provide all the necessary nutrients and sustenance required for the healthy growth and development of Painted Lady caterpillars. The exact composition of the artificial diet may vary depending on the manufacturer or supplier of the kit, but it typically includes the following ingredients:

1. Soy Protein: Soy protein is a rich source of essential amino acids, providing the caterpillars with the necessary building blocks for their growth.
2. Sucrose or Sugar: Sweeteners like sucrose or sugar serve as a source of carbohydrates, providing energy for the caterpillars.
3. Minerals and Vitamins: The diet is fortified with various minerals and vitamins to ensure the caterpillars receive a balanced and complete nutritional profile.
4. Gelling Agents: Gelling agents, such as agar or gelatin, are used to solidify the diet into a gel-like consistency, making it easier for the caterpillars to consume.
5. Water: Water is an essential component of the artificial diet, providing hydration for the caterpillars.

The artificial diet is carefully designed to mimic the nutritional content of the caterpillar’s natural food source, which is usually plant material like leaves. It ensures that the caterpillars receive a balanced and nutritious diet, supporting their healthy development until they pupate and eventually emerge as adult Painted Lady butterflies.

Feeding adult butterflies is an essential aspect of butterfly care, especially if you are raising them in a butterfly net cage or habitat. Adult butterflies primarily feed on nectar, which provides them with the necessary energy and nutrients for their activities and survival.

Here are some options for feeding adult butterflies:

1. Sugar Water: Prepare a solution of 1 part sugar (or honey) to 9 parts water. Soak a cotton ball or sponge in the sugar water and place it inside the butterfly net cage for the butterflies to feed on.
2. Gatorade/Vitamin Water: You can also use Gatorade or vitamin water as an alternative to sugar water. These beverages can provide additional electrolytes and nutrients for the butterflies.
3. Fresh Fruits: Offer fresh cut fruits such as watermelon, cantaloupe, or squashed grapes to the butterflies. Place the fruit pieces on a dish or plate inside the cage.
4. Organic Flowers: If available, you can place organic flowers inside the butterfly net cage. Ensure that the flowers are free from any chemicals or pesticides, as these can be harmful to the butterflies.
5. Brush Method: Use a soft brush against the fine mesh of the cage, allowing the butterflies to access the nectar on the brush bristles.

It’s essential to regularly provide fresh and clean food sources for the butterflies to maintain their health and well-being. Ensure that any food or flowers you offer are free from chemicals and predators to prevent harm to the butterflies.

Releasing butterflies in unfavorable weather conditions, such as rain or cold temperatures, can be concerning for their well-being. It’s essential to consider the safety of the butterflies before releasing them. Here are some guidelines for releasing butterflies during adverse weather:

1. Rainy Weather:

• If it is currently raining or about to rain, it’s best to postpone the butterfly release. Butterflies are delicate creatures, and rain can damage their fragile wings and make it challenging for them to fly properly.
• Wait for the rain to stop and the weather to clear up before releasing the butterflies. If the rain is expected to continue for an extended period, consider waiting until the next suitable day for the release.

2. Cold Temperatures:

• Butterflies are cold-blooded creatures, and their ability to fly and function depends on their body temperature. In cold temperatures, butterflies may become sluggish and unable to fly.
• If the weather is cold and the butterflies appear lethargic, it’s best to wait for warmer conditions to release them. Placing the butterflies in a sunny and sheltered spot can help them warm up before flight.
• Avoid releasing butterflies on very chilly or frosty days, as it may endanger their survival.

3. Butterfly Habitat or Enclosure:

• If you have a butterfly habitat or enclosure, such as a butterfly net cage, you can consider releasing the butterflies inside it. This provides them with a controlled environment where they can safely acclimate before flying away.

Releasing butterflies individually is a wonderful and memorable experience. Our butterflies come individually packaged for safe shipping and transport, making it easy to release them one at a time.

What is the process for a single butterfly release?

Here are the steps to do a single butterfly release:

1. Prepare the Butterflies: Ensure that the butterflies are at the appropriate temperature for release. If they were shipped to you, let them acclimate to the surrounding temperature for about 30 minutes to an hour before releasing.
2. Choose the Release Area: Select a suitable outdoor location for the release. The area should be open and free from obstacles to allow the butterflies to fly freely.
3. Handle the Butterflies Gently: Carefully open the individual butterfly packages. Gently lift a butterfly out of its container, taking care not to touch its wings, as they are fragile.
4. Let the Butterfly Rest: Allow the butterfly to rest on your hand or a flat surface. Give it a moment to warm up and become more active.
5. Release the Butterfly: When the butterfly is ready, gently lift your hand or allow it to take flight from the flat surface. The butterfly will usually fly away on its own once it feels ready.
6. Observe the Release: Watch as the butterfly soars into the sky. It’s a beautiful moment to appreciate the wonder of nature and the lifecycle of these amazing creatures.
7. Repeat the Process: If you have more butterflies to release, repeat the process for each one, giving them ample time to acclimate and fly away.

We have extensive information available on our blog to guide you through various aspects of butterfly releases, including cold weather release, warm weather release, mass release, feeding, caring, storing, and more.

For detailed instructions and helpful tips on organizing a successful mass butterfly release, we encourage you to visit our blog. You will find step-by-step guides, best practices, and important considerations to ensure a memorable and responsible event.

Our blog is a valuable resource for butterfly enthusiasts and event organizers, providing comprehensive information to make your butterfly release a remarkable experience. Whether you are planning a special celebration, an educational event, or a conservation initiative, our blog posts are designed to assist you in every aspect of the butterfly release process.

All butterfly orders are shipped with Canada Post using Expedited, XpressPost or Priority shipping based on your selection. We use insulated containers with ice packs to keep the butterflies dormant (in a sleep-like state) as butterflies hibernate when they are cold and it is dark. It is the most natural, humane and safest method to ship butterflies. Please visit our blog to see more on care, release, storing your butterflies and more.

We take utmost care in ensuring the safe and humane shipping of butterflies for your order. Here’s how the butterflies arrive:

1. Shipping Method: We use Canada Post for shipping all butterfly orders. Depending on your location and preference, we offer both Expedited and XpressPost shipping options.
2. Insulated Containers: To ensure the butterflies’ well-being during transit, we use insulated containers. These containers help regulate temperature and protect the butterflies from extreme conditions.
3. Ice Packs: Inside the insulated containers, we place ice packs to keep the butterflies in a dormant state. This sleep-like state is similar to hibernation, which is a natural condition for butterflies when they are cold and in the dark.
4. Humane and Safe: Shipping butterflies in a dormant state is the most natural, humane, and safest method. It minimizes stress on the butterflies and allows them to stay comfortably dormant until they reach their destination.
5. Unpacking and Care: Once you receive the shipment, carefully unpack the butterflies and follow our provided instructions for care and release. Properly acclimate the butterflies to their new environment before releasing them.

For more detailed information on caring for your butterflies, tips for a successful release, and guidance on storing butterflies, please visit our blog. We strive to provide comprehensive resources to ensure you have a positive and rewarding experience with these beautiful creatures.

We understand that caring for and releasing butterflies is a special and meaningful experience. To provide you with comprehensive guidance on this topic, we have a variety of blog posts available on our website.

Please visit our blog section, where you will find detailed information on how to care for butterflies and conduct a successful release. Our blog covers various aspects of butterfly care, including:

1. Butterfly Care: Learn how to handle and care for butterflies upon their arrival. Discover best practices to ensure their well-being and health during their stay.
2. Feeding Butterflies: Find tips on how to provide nourishment to the butterflies, including options for sugar water, fruit, and nectar.
3. Release Preparations: Prepare for a beautiful butterfly release with guidelines on timing, weather considerations, and suitable locations.
4. Mass Butterfly Release: If you’re planning a mass release event, our blog offers detailed instructions and suggestions for organizing a remarkable experience.
5. Post-Release Tips: Learn what to do after the release to promote butterfly conservation and continue supporting these wonderful creatures.
6. Various Articles: Discover a wealth of knowledge by exploring our diverse range of articles on our blog. Delve deeper into the world of butterflies, their care, and the art of releasing these magnificent creatures. Our blog is a treasure trove of valuable information, offering insights on butterfly care, feeding, release preparations, and much more. Whether you’re a butterfly enthusiast, organizing a special event, or simply curious about these fascinating insects, our blog has something to offer for everyone. Immerse yourself in the captivating world of butterflies and gain a deeper understanding of how to nurture and cherish these delicate beings. Uncover the secrets to conducting a successful and memorable butterfly release. Our blog is a valuable resource, designed to enhance your butterfly experience and promote conservation efforts. Embark on an enriching journey by visiting our blog today!

Butterflies for release are available during our seasonal period, which typically starts in May and continues until September each year, weather permitting.

During this period, we carefully cultivate and raise butterflies, ensuring they are healthy and ready for release. The availability of butterflies is dependent on various factors, including weather conditions and the specific species being raised. Please see the ordering page for full details.

As the season begins, we encourage you to explore our offerings and place your orders in advance to secure your preferred date for the butterfly release.