Learn from Home: Preschoolers watch caterpillars transform into butterflies

Although schools are closed right now, preschoolers from Oakland Family Services’ Children’s Learning Center in Walled Lake had the opportunity to observe caterpillars transforming into painted lady butterflies! Ms. Tiffaney purchased five baby caterpillars and a butterfly habitat, then kept her students updated on their growth via Zoom.

Want your children or students to witness caterpillars’ metamorphosis first hand? You can order your own butterfly kit from InsectLore.com!

When the caterpillars arrived, they were just a few days old. The class named them Sophia, Elsa, Moana, Lego and Mickey!

After a few days, the caterpillars nearly doubled in size!

The caterpillars continued to eat and grow. Soon, they began to slowly make their way up to the top of their container.

The caterpillars crawled to the top of the containers and prepared to form their cocoons by forming a “J” shape with their bodies.

Sophia, Elsa, Moana, Lego and Mickey formed their cocoons and stayed inside for about five to 10 days. Ms. Tiffaney moved the lid of the container to the butterfly habitat and waited patiently.

Finally, the butterflies hatched from their cocoons!

Here is one of the beautiful painted lady butterflies! Ms. Tiffaney fed the butterflies homemade nectar made from sugar and water.

After a few days, Ms. Tiffaney released the butterflies outside!