Welcome to Your Butterfly Journey
Your caterpillars are safe, alive, and growing — let’s get you started.
What’s in Your Kit
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Painted Lady caterpillars (already feeding)
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Caterpillar care cup with lid
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Blackborg care guide (you’re here!)
📌 Your caterpillars may be very small when they arrive — this is completely normal.
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Before You Do Anything (Read This First)
✔ Keep the cup upright
✔ Store at room temperature
✔ Place in indirect light
✔ Do not refrigerate
✔ Wash hands before handling
🚫 Do not add food or water
🚫 Do not shake or move excessively
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What Happens Next
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Days 1–7: Caterpillars eat and grow rapidly
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Days 8–10: They climb and form a chrysalis
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Days 18–25: Butterflies emerge
✨ Nature works on her own timeline — some variation is normal.
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Caring for Your Caterpillars
Painted Lady caterpillars are hardy and beginner-friendly.
Most problems come from over-handling — less is more.
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Daily Care
You do not need to do anything daily.
✔ Observe
✔ Keep cup upright
✔ Maintain room temperature
✔ Enjoy watching them grow
That’s it.
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What’s Normal (Don’t Worry)
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Caterpillars lying still for hours
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Webbing inside the cup
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Shrinking before forming a chrysalis
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Slight condensation inside the cup
All of this = healthy development
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What’s NOT Normal
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Strong foul odor
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Liquid pooling at bottom
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Visible mold covering food
If you see this, contact us with a photo.
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When They Form a Chrysalis
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Do not touch or move
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Do not open the lid
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Do not mist or add moisture
This is the most delicate stage 🧡
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Butterfly Emergence
When butterflies emerge:
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Let wings fully dry (2–4 hours)
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Keep cup upright
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Avoid direct sunlight
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Important Notes
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Live insects are sensitive to temperature and handling
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Adult supervision recommended
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Natural loss may occur
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This is a living educational experience, not a toy
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Watch the care video below to see exactly what to expect.
Need Help?
If something looks concerning, don’t panic.
Contact us anytime.