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Adopt a Monarch caterpillar online

by Bethany Sanders (Subscribe to Bethany Sanders's posts)
May 3rd 2008 4:00PM

0Comments

Filed under: Preschoolers, Big Kids, Activities: Babies

Raising butterflies is an awesome backyard science experiment for kids. If milkweed or other caterpillar host plants are plentiful in your area, you may be able to catch and feed your own butterflies. If not, there are kits you can buy that include caterpillar and food, all in one handy jar.

If having live bugs in your house for a few weeks doesn't fit into your schedule or lifestyle, however, you and your kids can always adopt a Monarch caterpillar online. Live Monarch is a group dedicated to protecting Monarch butterflies through education and awareness. Simply sign in with your email address and you'll get an update every three or four days on how your caterpillar is doing.

My five-year-old was riveted last week when a wasp -- which we didn't realize was a caterpillar predator -- came and scared "our" caterpillar. The emails include lots of caterpillar facts, as well as beautifully detailed pictures. Nothing can beat a true hands-on experience, but this is still a valuable learning tool for kids.

Tags: backyard science, BackyardScience, butterflies, caterpillars, Monarch butterflies, MonarchButterflies, raise your own butterflies, RaiseYourOwnButterflies

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