Witness one of nature's most spectacular transformations up close with this reusable, collapsible habitat. Fine, transparent mesh lets you see butterfly metamorphosis up close. Product includes easy-to-use feeder and complete instructions for habitat. Butterfly larvae with food shipped directly to your home. The habitat collapses for storage when not in use. You can adopt and raise a handful of caterpillars, watch them transform into painted lady butterflies, then lift the garden cover to release your beautiful specimens into the wild. This exciting habitat makes a fabulous introduction to the miracles of nature. The larvae and food available round the year.

Did you know that painted ladies (the butterflies, that is) taste with their feet and have 10,000 eyes? You and your kids will be fascinated by all you learn about these beautiful creatures with the Butterfly Garden from Insect Lore. The kit comes with a relatively easy-to-assemble observation chamber; supplies for feeding the butterflies (you provide only sugar and water); an informative booklet of clear instructions and butterfly facts; and a certificate for three to five free painted lady caterpillars. The metamorphosis from larva to butterfly takes about three weeks from when you receive the caterpillar larvae (which arrive in a small container with all the nutrients they need). Your children can watch the larvae increase dramatically in size, form chrysalides, and finally emerge into full-fledged painted ladies (it's suggested that they release the butterflies after a few days of observation). This would make a wonderful activity for families with kids of any age, but younger children will need help assembling the observation chamber and reading the instruction booklet. (Note: The manufacturer recommends that butterflies should not be set free in temperatures lower than 55 degrees Fahrenheit.) --Rachel Radway

"My granddaughter (age 10) bought this with her own money. It was a very interesting and exciting process to watch from caterpillar to butterfly. She took it everywhere she went to show others. She will always remember this experience."

"I purchased this item to use in my Kindergarten classroom .It arrived quickly and was as described. I was pleased to find that I could pick my arrival date when ordering the caterpillars and they did arrive in good condition and right on time. The habitat is very large but folds up into a small flat circle which will be easy to store in my already stuffed closets ;) We watched in amazement as the caterpillars grew and grew. After about 10 days each caterpillar formed its chrysallis . I am about to transfer the hanging chrysallis discs to the habitat. Hopefully we will have 8 - 10 butterflies in a week or so!"