*Update I was able to exchange the purchase, and when the caterpillars arrived, they were a bit larger, but they were active. I waited a couple days because it was 102° the day they arrived, but they're fine. Eight of the 10 are alive, but they're huge now. The second image is the second batch after 5 days of arriving. My kids can't wait to see them turn to a chrysalis. I changed my 2 stars to 5, because... it's the little things.

This is my second time purchasing this set, and the first time, the caterpillars didn't move upon arrival, but after a couple days, there was a noticeable difference in their size. This time around, I don't know if they were dead upon arrival or if they passed after being placed in the same location as the last batch. Anyhow, it's sad to say that after waiting for some change, there was none, and when I opened the container to check them, they were completely dried out. I'm pretty sad they were dead, and I will return this since there is nothing I can do to repair a dead bug, but I would purchase again, as this may have just been a bad batch.

Packaging was amazing. Definitely would be a fantastic gift. Only 4 of 5 caterpillars in container. Instructions are vague.

I bought this for my niece for her birthday and it was so amazing to see these 5 little caterpillars turn into beautiful butterflies. The instructions note that not all 5 may get through the process, and that on average 3 will turn to butterflies. I guess she was lucky because all 5 turned into butterflies & were released into nature. It was amazing!!

We did this as a science experiment for my homeschooled 1st grader. He loved being able to track the changes each day! 4 of the 5 butterflies developed healthily which I consider a huge win since they were quite jostled by an exuberant 6 year old

The first one I ordered, I was SO excited. Once I got the notification it was delivered, I ran to get it. I was careful not to shake the box around. I noticed a gap in the cardboard box. I opened the box. It had the cup. It had the lid. It had a little booklet. And the net habitat. Where are the caterpillars??? I picked up the cup and realized it was cracked and a chunk was actually missing. I was confused because the cup was completely clean. Like if the caterpillars escaped through the broken cup and gap in the box, they made sure the be full before escaping lol.

I asked for a replacement, which amazon was really good about honoring. It took a little bit longer to get the kit the second time around. Maybe a whole week. The caterpillars were already the size of my pinky and in like 2 days they starting forming chrysalis. 4 of the 5 hung to the top of the lid. The 5th took an extra 2 days to be ready. In those 2 days he knocked down 1 of the hanging ones. I decided to move the lid of 3 chrysalis into the net habitat. And put a napkin and the fallen chrysalis on it. I left the 5th one in the cup with a napkin to cover and then the flower butterfly feeder as weight. He turned into a chrysalis as well. The next couple days seemed like an eternity. It said they take 7-10 days in this stage.

all of mine were out within 5 days. I was able to see the difference in colors and could tell which one would emerge next. 2 on the lid emerged first. Then the fallen one. I was glad I was there when the fallen one was emerging because I realized he couldn't get a proper hold to stand up. Rather he was laying on his back and the chrysalis shell was on top of him. He struggled for a bit until I put a plastic spoon in there for him to grab onto and then brought him closer to the net to hang onto. I knew I had to take action because I read once they emerge, their wings are still wet/crumpled. And it is important for them to straighten them out before the wings dry.

The last one on the lid came out same day as the fallen one. I was expecting at least a day and a half before the last one emerged but like less than 12 hrs he emerged all healthy too!. I kept them for a couple days because I wanted my little cousins to be the ones to release them on the weekend. In that time I actually got to see them mating. Thank god no baby eggs. I wasn't ready for another batch, especially since I didnt have the food.

I was going to give it 4 stars because of the error in the first shipment. But mistakes happen, none of us are perfect, and they allowed me to return and get a another one. So, 5 out of 5!