You will receive a tracking number once we begin the shipment process for your order. If you placed an order in advance for a future delivery date, you will not receive a tracking number until we generate the shipping label. For example, if you ordered in February for a June delivery, the tracking number will be provided closer to the June shipping timeline, not in February or shortly afterward.

Before your order ships, you’ll receive an email notification—please check your spam or junk folder if you don’t see it. To ensure you receive all updates, add our email addresses, info@monarchbutterflies.ca and noreply@monarchbutterflies.ca, to your contacts. Tracking details will follow once your order is in transit.

Painted Lady Caterpillars and Their Instars

Painted lady caterpillars (Vanessa cardui) undergo five distinct growth stages known as instars before transforming into butterflies. Each instar is characterized by specific physical changes and increases in size as the caterpillar prepares for its metamorphosis. To check what instar your caterpillars are in, simply check their size and review the information below on how far they are from reaching the butterfly stage.

Instars of Painted Lady Caterpillars

1. First Instar: The newly hatched caterpillar is tiny, measuring about 1-2 mm in length. It is pale green or black with small hairs. This stage lasts about 2-3 days.
2. Second Instar: After the first molt, the caterpillar grows to approximately 4-6 mm. It may start to develop a more defined color pattern and will still be covered in tiny hairs. This stage typically lasts another 2-3 days.
3. Third Instar: The caterpillar grows to around 10-15 mm in length and it also becomes more colorful. This stage lasts about 3-4 days.
4. Fourth Instar: By this stage, the caterpillar reaches approximately 20-30 mm. Its colors become more vibrant, and it may show more pronounced markings. This instar usually lasts 4-5 days.
5. Fifth Instar: The final caterpillar stage can grow up to 40-50 mm in length. It is at its largest size and this stage lasts around 5-7 days before it pupates.

Identifying Instars by Size

You can determine the instar stage of a painted lady caterpillar primarily by its size and appearance:

• First Instar: 1-2 mm
• Second Instar: 4-6 mm
• Third Instar: 10-15 mm
• Fourth Instar: 20-30 mm
• Fifth Instar: 40-50 mm

Duration to Butterfly Stage

After completing the fifth instar, the painted lady caterpillar will seek a suitable location to pupate. The pupation process takes about 7-10 days in optimal conditions. After this period, the caterpillar emerges as a beautiful painted lady butterfly.

In total, from hatching to the butterfly stage, the entire life cycle (including all five instars and pupation) typically takes around 2-4 weeks, depending on environmental conditions such as temperature and availability of food. Understanding these stages not only highlights the fascinating transformation of painted lady caterpillars but also emphasizes the patience required in nature’s life cycles.

In general, the season typically begins around the end of April and lasts until late September or, in some cases, early October. The exact timing can vary depending on regional weather conditions and climate variations during the year. Additionally, the start and end of the season may differ based on the specific type of insect you are raising or releasing, your location, local availability and more. To get more detailed information, visit the ordering page on our website and check the “Shipping Time” tab.

Attempting to ship caterpillar or release butterflies outside of this seasonal window can lead to serious problems. The insects may not survive due to cold temperatures, insufficient food sources in the wild, or other environmental challenges. Our shipping for some of our services starts in April and concludes by late September or early October to align with conditions that maximize the survival and well-being of the butterflies. After this period, we cannot fulfill orders, as we prioritize the health and safety of the insects by only shipping them during suitable weather conditions and also do not operate outside these timelines and close for the season.

If your school or organization blocks emails, consider the following steps:

Use an Alternative Email: If possible, use a personal email account that is not subject to your school’s or organization’s restrictions to communicate.

Contact IT Support: Reach out to your school or organization’s IT support team to inquire about the issue. They may be able to whitelist specific email addresses or domains.

Check Spam/Junk Folders: Sometimes, emails may be filtered into your spam or junk folder. Be sure to check there for any missed messages

Inform our Team: If you were expecting an important email, let the us know about the situation so our team members can consider alternative ways to reach you.

It is not recommended to place painted lady and monarchs in the same cage due to their different habitat preferences and dietary needs. Keeping different butterfly species together increases the risk of disease transmission and complicates their hatching, release and more, so it’s best to provide separate enclosures that cater to the specific needs of each species.

Replacing the paper liner in a caterpillar cup is a straightforward process. Here’s how you can do it:

1. Remove the Old Liner: Carefully take out the old paper liner from the caterpillars cup. If it’s stuck, gently pull it away to avoid damaging the cup.
2. Prepare the New Liner: Cut the new paper liner to fit the size of the cup. It should cover the top and come up slightly along the sides to catch any moisture, debris and is easier to remain attached to the lid.
3. Insert the New Liner: Place the new paper liner onto the cup, lid ensuring it sits flat and fits snugly against the sides. Make sure there are no wrinkles or gaps.
4. Secure the Liner (if necessary): If you find that the liner moves around or is to small simply cut a new one that fits.
5. Caterpillars: Ensure that the caterpillars remain in the cup and it is cleaned and the frass and webbing is removed accordingly. See your order instructions for full details.
6. Monitor Conditions: Ensure that the environment is suitable for the caterpillars, maintaining appropriate humidity and temperature levels.

Tips:

• Choose the Right Material: Use paper that is absorbent and safe for caterpillars. Avoid materials with chemicals or dyes that could harm them.
• Regular Changes: Replace the liner regularly to keep the environment clean and reduce the risk of mold or bacteria.

By following these steps, you can ensure your caterpillars have a clean and safe environment for their growth and development.

No, if the paper liner is ripped, shredded, missing, or damaged, it does not mean that your caterpillars will die. While the liner helps maintain a clean and suitable environment by absorbing moisture and waste and used for the caterpillar to from its pupa. In the event that the paper liner is not there for any reason the caterpillar will still thrive.

However, it’s essential to replace the liner as soon as possible to ensure that the caterpillars have a safe and clean habitat. Regularly monitoring their condition and maintaining a suitable environment will help support their health and growth. If you notice any signs of distress or health issues in your caterpillars, take appropriate measures to address those concerns promptly.

No, it is not recommended to handle caterpillars with your bare hands. The natural oils, bacteria, or other contaminants on human skin can be harmful to the caterpillars. While not every instance of handling will necessarily lead to problems, the risk of complications, such as disease or even the caterpillar’s death, is significant enough to advise against it.

If you do need to clean or move a caterpillar—for example, if it has fallen from its habitat or needs to be relocated—it’s best to do so using a soft, clean tool. A small, sterile paintbrush or a Q-tip is ideal for gently transferring the caterpillar without causing harm. This approach helps minimize the risk of contaminating or injuring the delicate insect. Always handle with great care to ensure the caterpillar’s well-being.

No, do not do this. Removing the food (artificial diet) from the cup will cause the it to dry out, which can lead to the caterpillar’s death. The cups help preserve the food’s moisture and freshness while also providing a sterile environment for the caterpillars.

It’s generally recommended to choose the option of one caterpillar per cup. Although it is more work than 5 caterpillars per cup both options work just as well. Here are a few reasons why 1 caterpillar per cup is generally preferred more.

1. Reduced Competition: Keeping one caterpillar per cup eliminates competition for food and space, ensuring that each caterpillar has access to the necessary resources for growth.
2. Easier Monitoring: With one caterpillar per cup, it’s easier to monitor each individual’s health, behavior, and development. This way, you can quickly identify any issues that may arise.
3. Minimized Stress: Caterpillars can become stressed if they feel crowded or threatened by other caterpillars. Providing them with their own space can help reduce stress and promote healthy development. Although the larger cups with 5 caterpillar take into consideration of space and food and are sent out accordingly.
4. Preventing Damage: Caterpillars may accidentally harm each other during feeding or when moving around. Keeping them separated helps prevent any potential injuries.
   
   Based on our experience and feedback from our community of people who raise and release painted lady butterflies, using one caterpillar per cup with a paper liner on top tends to make it easier to manage and attach the caterpillars. In contrast, when raising five caterpillars together, the paper liner sometimes needs to be replaced multiple times. However, both methods are effective, and preference between the two is almost evenly split. If you plan to raise these insects, we recommend trying both options to see which one works best for you.