Painted Lady Kit FAQ

Almost ready for Butterfly Season but have a few more questions? Here’s our most common FAQs to help you be ready for your spring kit! When you are ready, order here!

  1. When can I pick up my kit or refill cup?
    1. Our Drive Through Pickup is open Monday - Friday from 10-5PM. 
  2. I ordered a kit to be shipped, when will it arrive? 
    1. Unless otherwise noted or communicated, all painted lady kits and cups are usually shipped 1-3 days after being ordered. We need to avoid shipping over the weekend so the order may be shipped out the following Monday.
  3. I’m traveling for Spring Break in the middle of April. What do I do about my kit?
    1. We would recommend waiting until you return from your trip to pick up your kit or have it shipped so you can watch them grow!
  4. Can I only do this in March and April?
    1. We have kits available all Spring and summer until it gets cold in the Fall. Save your net and get a refill cup to do it again!
  5. How long does it take to do a kit?
    1. It takes about 2 weeks for the caterpillars to reach full size, and another 10 days as chrysalis before they turn into butterflies, so about 3 weeks total, but this can vary depending on the temperature of your home. 
  6. Do you have other kits besides Painted Ladies?
    1. PL kits are ready earlier than any other kit, but we will have Cabbage White kits soon, and Monarchs and a few other kits will be ready later in the summer (usually May for Eastern Monarchs and June for Western Monarchs)
  7. What if it’s too cold to raise or release my butterflies?
    1. It will take about 3 weeks for them to be ready to release. If the weather is still cold, instructions are included on how to keep them safe inside until it warms up. 
  8. Can I keep my butterflies as pets?
    1. We definitely think the most magical part of the kit is the final release! They only live a few weeks, so we recommend releasing them soon after they emerge and you can order a new refill cup when you want to raise them again. 
  9. What other butterfly activities does Riverbottom offer?
    1. We have a Butterfly House rental to bring an immersive butterfly experience to you! It’s super easy and comes with 50 butterflies. More info is available here.
  10. Do you have butterflies for a memorial release or wedding?
    1. We have several different colors of adult butterflies for memorials, weddings, and other celebrations. Call or email us to go over more details, or view here!

If you are ready to order your painted lady kit, order here!