How to Raise Butterflies from Eggs on Leaves

1. What You Need

• A small plastic cup
• A lid (that fits the cup)
• Fresh leaves (with butterfly eggs on them)
• Paper towels or tissues
• Spray bottle (filled with water)

2. Find Eggs on Leaves

Look carefully at the underside of leaves to find the small butterfly eggs.

3. Place the Leaf in the Cup

Gently cut a part of the leaf with the eggs and place it inside the cup.

4. Maintain Moisture

Wet a paper towel or tissue, wring it out, and lay it on the bottom of the cup. This helps to keep the leaf moist.

5. Put a Lid on the Cup

Place the lid on the cup to maintain humidity inside. However, make sure to poke a few small holes in the lid or leave a slight gap to allow air to circulate.

6. Observe Growth

Check the condition of the eggs and the leaf daily, and mist with water from the spray bottle as needed. Wait for the caterpillars to hatch from the eggs.

7. Care for the Caterpillar

Once the caterpillars have hatched, add fresh leaves for them to eat.

8. Wait for the Pupa and Butterfly

Watch as the caterpillars grow, form pupae, and eventually transform into butterflies.

9. Release to the Outdoors

Once the butterflies are ready to fly and have spread their wings, take them out of the cup and let them return to nature.