Order refills for any Butterfly Garden, or if you need additional caterpillars.
Choose to receive the LIVE option by picking a send out/dispatch date from the calendar or choose a paper VOUCHER version for a gift, or if you don't yet know when you would like to start the project (when redeemed, the postage for the LIVE refill only is included).
This product is a REFILL and includes a clear cup with caterpillars and food ONLY. Be sure to provide a habitat in which your butterflies will emerge, or purchase one of our Butterly Kits that include everything you need!
The LIVE refill caterpillar set includes:
Cup of 3-5 LIVE caterpillars with all the nutritious food they need to grow into lovable Painted Lady butterflies
Caterpillar Quick Guide - this is a brief overview to get you started. For in-depth instructions regarding caterpillar and butterfly care please see our Live Butterfly Garden Instructions
Chrysalis Station - for transferring the chrysalis into the habitat
Insect Lore sugar packet to make your very own butterfly nectar
Caterpillars sent March to mid-September only
Ages 4+
Price: £12.98 incl VAT (£10.82 ex VAT)
*For UK Delivery only - If only ordering this one item, postage will be at a reduced rate of £2.99 instead of our standard shipping charge of £4.95. Please choose the reduced rate during check out.
If you choose to upgrade to a DHL delivery option (UK addresses only) at checkout for an order that contains a Live refill, please be aware that your order will still be dispatched on your chosen send-out date. This service does not include weekend deliveries.
Need help with your Caterpillar to Butterfly Process? - Watch these informative videos
Review by Debbie P. on 19 Mar 2025review stating Amazing!
I order these every year, but not only for my family but all our Godchildren instead of chocolate, and my parents in their 70s. We all then have a challenge to see which ones become butterflies first!
Review by Linda N. on 27 Feb 2023review stating Mrs
Have bought caterpillars for the last two years, and I'm still fascinated watching them progress even though I'm in my sixties. Will be ordering again this year.
Review by Lauriella B. on 16 Dec 2021review stating We loved it and so
We loved it and so enjoyed releasing the 3 butterflies that hatched on a sunny, calm day back in August I think. I have recommended it to members of the family. Photos were taken but not sure on whose phone! Thank you.
We have a full range of insects from caterpillars and butterflies to ladybirds and ants! All of the insects can be found on our website!
J
Jessica
Verified Reviewer
12/06/25
Q: All of my cocoons have fell off off the top of the pot into the food what shall I do to make sure they turn into butterflies?
Insect Lore Europe
12/06/25
A: Hello,
Chrysalides forming on the bottom, or the side of the cup are very common. They either fall, are knocked down by other caterpillars, or simply choose to form on the bottom.
Sometimes a couple of the caterpillars will form chrysalides sooner than the others. Please wait at least three days before moving any of them (you can wait longer if the remaining caterpillar needs longer to harden, but no more than 7 days from the first one forming).
• Use the Chrysalis Station to transfer the chrysalides still attached to the lid over to the habitat • Gently scoop up the chrysalides from the food with a spoon and place on a piece of kitchen paper on the bottom of the butterfly garden, close to the side. Be sure to carefully remove any silk/frass/food from around the outsides of the chrysalides. • Line the bottom of the habitat with a kitchen paper and place the chrysalides on top. They need to be spread out and pushed up along the very edges of the habitat so that when they emerge, they can crawl straight up the net to expand and dry their wings – this is very important as they must be vertical for their wings to dry in the correct shape.
We guarantee you will have 3 perfect butterflies from each cup. If you get less than this, please send us photos of the failed ones.
F
Fiona S.
Verified Reviewer
02/06/25
Q: Hi, I received my refill kit today and there are only 2 caterpillars. The description says 3-5. I’ve got this kit for my class for many years now and always got 5 in a kit. Really disappointing considering how expensive this is.
Insect Lore Europe
02/06/25
A: Hello Fiona,
We regret to hear this. Please could you send your order details and a photo to hello@insectlore.co.uk and we can look into this further for you.
H
Hayley
Verified Reviewer
02/06/25
Q: Is delivery ever at the weekend? We are a school so need to avoid this. If I order for a dispatch on Friday 6th June will they most likely arrive the following week? Thanks
Insect Lore Europe
02/06/25
A: Hello Hayley,
When ordering for a Friday dispatch we would usually see them arrive the following Monday or Tuesday. They are sent by Royal Mail and they would hold your post over the weekend if need be!
S
Stacy
Verified Reviewer
24/05/25
Q: How do the vouchers work?
Insect Lore Europe
30/05/25
A: Hello,
All voucher purchased directly from ourselves are paid for at the time of purchase. Then when gifted or used to redeem for caterpillars there is nothing else to pay.
You simply redeem the code and tell us where and when you would like the caterpillars!
We have a full range of insects from caterpillars and butterflies to ladybirds and ants! All of the insects can be found on our website!