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.

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.

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.

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, as long as your have a clean and suitable net cage you do not need to order one. As indicated on our website the option of adding a net cage is optional.

Not necessarily. Caterpillars can vary in size due to several factors, including their age, species, and individual growth rates. Smaller caterpillars may be younger or in an earlier instar stage, while larger ones are typically older or in a later instar stage.

If you notice that a caterpillar is smaller than others, it does not mean it is dead. To check for signs of life, look for movement, feeding activity, or changes in posture. If a caterpillar is inactive for an extended period, it may be resting or preparing to molt. If you’re concerned about a specific caterpillar simply email our team info@monarchbutterflies.ca with clear images to best assist you.

Please refrain from discarding your insects, as the caterpillars may be undergoing an instar and shedding their skin. During this time, they may not exhibit any movement. If you have questions or concerns, please email our team at info@monarchbutterflies.ca with clear images and your inquiries, so we can review your concerns and provide the best assistance. It is common for people to assume that insects have perished when, in fact, they are still healthy and thriving during the instar process. By emailing our team we can review your concerns and best assist you further.

To proceed, please place a new order and select your desired payment method during the checkout process. Note that we are unable to send direct payment requests; therefore, a new order must be created to accommodate your payment preferences.

To learn more about our services and products, please visit the ordering page for the specific service or product you are interested in, as it contains a wealth of information. Here, you can find an FAQ section, detailed descriptions, helpful links, and much more. We encourage you to review this information to better understand our offerings.