FAQs

Where can I find Insect Lore Butterfly Kit Instructions?

Please click here to view our Butterfly Kit Instructions
I received a voucher in the mail, not live insects. What happened to my order?

Chances are you probably meant to order the cup of caterpillars and not the voucher. You can redeem your voucher at here.
I received caterpillars instead of butterfly eggs. Can I get a replacement?

Insect Lore ships live caterpillars. We do not offer live butterfly eggs.
What are the most important steps I can take to ensure the survival of my caterpillars?

Do not leave your Cup of Caterpillars unattended in a mailbox.
Be aware if your package’s destination has been sprayed for insects.
Do not expose your caterpillars to dramatic changes in temperature.
If temperatures vary greatly from daytime to night-time, place a towel over the Cup of Caterpillars in the evening.
Do not place your Cup of Caterpillars in a window or in direct sunlight.
Be sure to remove all silk and frass from the chrysalides before transferring them to the butterfly habitat. If this step is ignored, the butterfly may become entangled in the silk upon emergence, resulting in deformed wings and death.
I only have one voucher. Can I get two orders of caterpillars?

The voucher is valid for one cup of caterpillars. Additional caterpillars may be purchased here.

Search FAQs

Where can I find Insect Lore Butterfly Kit Instructions?

Please click here to view our Butterfly Kit Instructions.
Can I remove the lid of the cup and touch my caterpillars?

No. Removing the lid could introduce bacteria and mould into the caterpillar environment. Oils and salts from your hands could harm your caterpillars. Do not open the cup until your chrysalides have formed and it is time to move them to your butterfly habitat.
Why are my caterpillars turning red?

If your caterpillars turn red and begin to disintegrate, they have been infected with the bacteria, Seratia Marcescens. This bacterium occurs if condensation has been allowed to form in the cup. Please be sure to always keep your Cup of Caterpillars away from windows and out of direct sunlight. Sunlight will cause the inside of the cup to heat up and form condensation.

Can I redeem my Live Insect Voucher online? .

Yes! It’s actually faster and easier to redeem your voucher online! When you are prepared to receive your live insects, click here to redeem your voucher
Do you ship outside of the EU?

Unfortunately, we cannot ship live specimens out of the EU. We can, however, ship “non live” products like books and games. An extra postage charge may be required. If you would like us to dispatch an order to a location outside of the EU please contact us for a quote.
I received a voucher in the mail, not live insects. What happened to my order?

Chances are you probably meant to order the cup of caterpillars and not the voucher. You can redeem your voucher at here.

Where can I find instructions for my Living Twig Kit?

Please click here to view our Living Twig Kit instructions
How long will my stick insects take to hatch?

Your Stick Insect Eggs will usually hatch within 8 weeks of receipt. Your eggs will arrive with a Stick Insect care sheet which will include dates of when you can expect your stick insect eggs to hatch.
How long will my stick insects live?

Your stick insects should be mature at 6 months and should live for around a year.

Where can I find Insect Lore Live Ant Hill® Instructions?

Click here for Insect Lore Live Ant Hill Instructions.
Is there an ant king?

No, the few male drones live to mate with the queen and then die soon after mating.
How long have ants populated the earth?

Ants evolved 150 million years ago, during the Cretaceous Period. They roamed the earth alongside the dinosaurs!

What should I feed the worms?

Worms are not fussy eaters, think what you’d normally place in a composter. As the Worm Vue will be indoors you may which to choose non smelly items e.g. vegetable peelings
Is it ok to release the worms into the environment?

Yes, the worms can most definitely be released into a composter or straight into your garden.

How long will it take for my Adalia box to arrive?

The Adalia Box Kits are dispatched on Mondays and will usually arrive within one week of the dispatch date. You can choose a dispatch date when ordering.
How long will the ladybird larva take to transform into adult ladybirds?

The process takes about 4 weeks
Can I release the ladybirds into nature?

Yes. There are a native species.

How long do the shrimp live for?

Up to 12 years! But 3-5 is more common.
Do I need to provide food or anything else for the shrimps?

Just a little fresh air about once a month for a few seconds
Will they breed?

No, the shrimp will not breed

Where can I find instructions for the Silkworm kit?

You can view the instructions for the silkworm kit here.
How long will it take my silkworm eggs to hatch?

Your silkworm eggs will usually hatch between 7-21 days.
My Silkworms are not eating or moving!! What’s wrong?

Don’t worry, this is normal and actually means your silkworms are healthy and growing. Because their soft skins do not stretch as they grow they must shed their skins. You will see them moult 3-4 days during their growth. Your silkworms will be inactive for 2-3 days before moulting.