Care Info for Live Insects
Painted Lady Butterfly Care
Live butterflies take 14-21 days to complete their metamorphosis. Our painted lady caterpillars bring your classroom to life and inspire students with curiosity about nature and science. Science, math, and language arts activities include careful observation, scientific drawing, writing, measuring, counting, comparing, experimenting, and reporting.
Butterfly Care Info »
Video of Painted Lady Care
From our education partner, Carolina Biological Supply
Ladybug Care
Ladybugs are beetles, a very cute beetle that kids like a lot. And ladybugs can be a very friendly introduction to the lifecycle and anatomy of insects. Ladybugs activities are simple, fun and provide a wonderful way for children to learn about beneficial insects.
Ladybug Care Info »
Hornworm Care
Kids handle and measure as these exciting caterpillars grow from tiny to huge. Hornworms require no special care until they are ready to pupate. Their food provides all the nutrients and water they need. It comes packed in the bottom of their cup. Don’t expect to see moths emerge, as pupas often don’t complete the life cycle.
Hornworm Care Info »
Praying Mantis Care
Do leafy, green plants grow around your house? If the answer is yes, then you probably live near a praying mantis. Have you ever seen one? A praying mantis is an insect. Most mantises are about two inches long and green or brown, colors that match leaves. Like all other insects, mantises have six legs and three main body parts—head, thorax, and
abdomen. Mantises and all other insects do not have bones in their bodies. Instead, they have a hard outer cover, called an “exoskeleton.”
Praying Mantis Care Info »
Video of Praying Mantis Care
From our education partner, Carolina Biological Supply
Bessbug Care
Bessbugs (short-horned stag beetles, Odontotaenius disjunctus or Passalus cornutus) live happily in captivity when they are provided with damp, slightly decaying wood, which they eat. They prefer oak (any species) but will also thrive on elm. They like to burrow in and under slightly damp wood and paper.
Bessbug Care Info »
Video of Bessbug Care
From our education partner, Carolina Biological Supply
Polyphemus Moth Care
The Polyphemus moth (Antheraea polyphemus) is common in woodlands of the United States and Canada. Compare the Polyphemus and the Painted Lady Butterfly in your classroom. Its name comes from the Greek myth of the Cyclops Polyphemus and refers to the large eyespots on the hindwings. Polyphemus is one of our larger moths, having a wing spread of three to almost six inches (7.5 to 15 cm).
Polyphemus Moth Care Info »
Luna Moth Care
The luna moth (Actias luna) is common in woodlands of the United States and Canada east of the Great Plains. This beautiful, velvety green moth has wingspans of 2.75 to 4.25 inches. Each wing has a transparent “eye spot” and is rimmed with pink or yellow. The luna’s body is large, pure white, and fuzzy. Its antennas are large and feathery.
Luna Moth Care Info »
Redworms Care
Redworms (Eisenia foetida) are great at breaking down organic matter and turning it into compost that’s good for the earth. Worms do not have eyes, ears, noses or any bones. Worms do not have lungs or breathe as we do. Instead, they respire along the entire surface of their bodies. In order to respire, worms must have moist skin.
Redworms Care Info »
Butterfly Care Info 
Ladybug Care Info 
Hornworm Care Info 
Praying Mantis Care Info 
Bessbug Care Info 
Polyphemus Moth Care Info 
Luna Moth Care Info 
Redworm Care Info 