How to Build a Chrysalis House for Butterflies

Building a chrysalis house is a wonderful activity for butterfly enthusiasts and children alike. These houses allow you to closely observe the process a caterpillar undertakes to become a butterfly. They also protect caterpillars or vulnerable chrysalises from predators, provide convenient viewing and are extremely versatile. They can be set up to house caterpillars, pupae or even adult butterflies for observation.

Things You'll Need

• 6-foot by 4-foot bridal netting
• 18-inch piece of strong string
• 24-inch piece of strong string
• Cardboard
• Scissors
• Twigs or small branches
• Caterpillar food (optional)

Instructions

1. Fold the bridal netting horizontally into three parts, each two feet in length.

2. Tie each end of the netting with a piece of the string. On the end with the longer string, tie a loop. This is where you will hang it.

3. Cut two cardboard circles that are roughly 14 inches in diameter. Place one of the cardboard circles into the cage by slipping it between the netting. Press it firmly against the bottom--the side without the loop--so that it holds the netting open.

4. Apply hot glue to one side of the next cardboard circle. Slip it between the netting and press it firmly against the top. Your cardboard circles should now be holding open the netting, forming your house.

5. Hang the house in a safe area where there is no wind to knock it around.

6. Insert small branches for the butterfly to perch on, or insert fresh food matter that the caterpillars will eat. For example, if you plan on having monarch butterflies, use milkweed inside your house.

7. Catch caterpillars and put them in the cage, or find pupae--a butterfly chrysalis--which you can carefully transfer.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep an eye on your butterfly house. Even though the the bridal netting is small, the caterpillars may find a way out and crawl to the outside.

• When choosing a safe place, keep in mind that birds, seeing the caterpillars, may attempt to peck at the cage to get to them. Don't put this in an area where birds can get to it.

• Change the live plant matter each day as the caterpillar eats and the plants die.

References

• Butterfly School