“Just living is not enough,” said the butterfly, “one must have sunshine, freedom and a little flower.”

— Hans Christian Anderson

With spring in full bloom here in Oxford, the bees and butterflies are now out in the garden. They add a wonderful sense of beauty, productivity, life and purpose.  When it comes to butterflies, we are very much amateurs, but loving learning all the same as we spend time outdoors.

• What are the differences between butterflies and moths?
• How long do they live?
• What do they eat?
• Who preys on caterpillars?
• Who eats butterflies?
• Do caterpillars and butterflies eat different things?

Nature really is a marvel. So intricately designed and bringing so much pleasure.

The latest additions to our home are five caterpillars (ordered online from Insect Lore).  We love watching the mesmerising metamorphosis of our caterpillars into Painted Lady butterflies right before our eyes.  To help guide us on our butterfly adventures we have a few resources which I leave on the coffee table for the children to enjoy.  Here are some of them:

 

 

 

 

 

 

There is so much to discover and appreciate in our world. I hope this might help you and your family in their adventures. We’re off to Blenheim Palace’s Butterfly House next week to see a wider variety up close!