Butterfly Releases
How long can I keep them in the box?
We will send your butterflies to arrive either a day or two before your release day. Do not
keep them any longer than this.
Do I need to feed them?
No you will not need to feed the butterflies when they arrive. We have fed them prior to
sending and once you release them, they will find their own nectar flowers.
What do I do when I receive them?
Your package will come with full instructions inside. You just need to keep them in the packaging box and place in a cool, dark place and change the icepack as needed.
Should I put them in the fridge?
No. This will kill the butterflies. Changing the ice pack as needed is enough.
My order is coming via courier – how does this work?
We use a courier service when you are located in a regional area, WA and also if the order is required overnight. You will receive a tracking email directly from FedEx/TNT. After your order has been handed over to the courier, delivery times and handling are managed directly by their team. If you have any questions or concerns about your delivery, please reach out directly to the courier using the tracking provided. They’ll be able to give you the most current information. We understand how important it is for your oder to arrive safely and appreciate your patience while it’s on its way.
Are all Australian weather/eco conditions okay for these butterflies to be released into?
Monarch butterflies have been in Australia for 150 years and thought to be brought here by hurricanes. They took hold in Australia when white people brought the host plant seeds (Asclepias sp), possibly in the new settlers’ mattresses, because the fluffy part of the seeds was used much like cotton. Monarchs are now found in all states of Australia. They overwinter as adults. In warm conditions butterflies feed on ANY nectar producing plants and look for each other to pair. Then they look for their host plants (milkweed), which are common and found in all states of Australia. Monarchs are not considered a pest species or in any way damaging to the environment.
We have a video showing you the packaging and how to release them.
Caterpillar Kits
Will I run out of food?
Each kit has plenty of food to take all caterpillars to pupation. Please review the
instructions and get in touch with us.
My caterpillar has wandered away from the cuttings – should I put it back?
That often happens when a caterpillar is ready to shed its skin and become a new instar
or a chrysalis. Please let it do its thing. Caterpillars are very good at finding the food
plant again.
My caterpillar has stopped moving, is it okay?
This is quite normal. They will often stop moving when they are getting ready to shed
and then they’ll be on the move again! Just let it do its thing.
How many caterpillars are in the kit?
There are 6 caterpillars in our kits. We guarantee that 3 will make it to adulthood
(butterflies). Please get in touch if there are any issues.
It’s too cold to release the butterflies, what do I do?
If you need to keep your butterflies for a few days then you will probably need to feed them. We have a free downloadable instructions poster here. We also have a video with an example here!
A chrysalis has fallen off the roof/branch, what do I do?
We have a video tutorial on our resources page here. If you need further assistance please email us with pictures of your chrysalis.
Is my chrysalis normal?
Sometimes you may see a small piece of black skin near the top of the chrysalis. This is perfectly normal and is only the last layer of caterpillar shedding it’s final skin.
Are all Australian weather /eco conditions okay for these butterflies to be released into?
Monarch butterflies have been in Australia for 150 years and thought to be brought here by hurricanes. They took hold in Australia when white people brought the host plant seeds (Asclepias sp), possibly in the new settlers’ mattresses, because the fluffy part of the seeds was used much like cotton. Monarchs are now found in all states of Australia. They overwinter as adults. In warm conditions butterflies feed on ANY nectar producing plants and look for each other to pair. Then they look for their host plants (milkweed), which are common and found in all states of Australia. Monarchs are not considered a pest species or in any way damaging to the environment.
Chrysalis Kits/Chrysalis
How often should I mist the chrysalis?
Summer – A light mist once every 2nd day. One spray of water held at least 10cm away from the chrysalis. Do not mist the chrysalis more often than that.
Winter – A light mist every 4 days. Do not mist the chrysalis more often than that.
Stop misting as soon as you begin to see the wing pattern and/or the
chrysalis begins to darken.
Can I put the chrysalis kit away until I’m ready to use it/gift it?
You must open and set up your kit as soon as it arrives. Do not leave it in packaging. It will continue developing while in package.
Therefore, whether you are ready to give it as a gift or not, you must unpack and hang the chrysalis(es) in your cube to avoid any wing damage.
How do I set up my kit?
Unroll the protective packaging carefully and remove your chrysalis. Our farmer has been using wool from their sheep to protect the chrysalis. ensure you remove the wool as well. Then hang the chrysalis using the earring hook to the top or to the side of your cube.
Refer to the diagram on the cube label and our video (link below).
Make sure you open your package over a table surface, so that the chrysalis does not get damaged if you accidentally drop it.
Here is a video demonstrating how to set up your kit
I live in WA, why is my ordering different?
Due to Western Australia’s biosecurity laws we need to ship our chrysalis a little bit different. You can find find our WA chrysalis kits here: Chrysalis Kit (WA) or our Chrysalis only (WA)
How long does it take for the butterfly to emerge?
Your butterfly will emerge from the chrysalis within 4-12 days (some species can take a few weeks), based on the temperature of your room/space and transit temperatures.
I accidentally threw out my instructions…
Please refer to the above and our video tutorial. There are also written instructions on the bottom of our chrysalis kits page.
Is putting the chrysalises in the enclosure harmful to them?
“The mesh cube is specifically designed for a butterfly to hold on to it using small hooks on the tip of their legs after it emerges. The butterfly can stay there for two days or so until its winds become stronger. Then it is time to release them. The cube is NOT designed to hold butterflies any longer than that.” For longer periods of observation, we have the enclosure https://butterflyadventures.com.au/product/folding-enclosure/
My chrysalis has fallen off the hook…
We have a video tutorial here. If you need further help please email us with pictures of your chrysalis.
It’s too cold to release my butterfly, what do I do?
Butterflies require 20⁰C or higher to fly. They will be sleepy (i.e. not fly) at lower temperatures.
You can wait a day or two until the warm weather returns. If the butterfly has to stay in
the cube longer, you will need to give it a sip of artificial nectar before releasing it. There is also a free downloadable poster on our resources page here. We also have a video with an example here.
It’s been more than 2 weeks and my chrysalis hasn’t emerged yet…
Send us a clear picture of your chrysalis to info@butterflyadventures.com.au. We will be able to assess the health of the chrysalis and give you a better idea of what’s going on.
Are these suitable for classrooms?
The Chrysalis kit is also great for the classroom! The kit provides an educational and hands-on experience, while you study your Life Cycle and Minibeasts units.
Butterflies are a popular and safe insect that all kids can relate to. Exploring the butterfly life cycle is a perfect example of an insect’s complete metamorphosis; from egg, to larva (caterpillar), to pupa (chrysalis), and finally the adult butterfly.
For curriculum based activities have a look at our chrysalis kit related lesson plans. Plans are individually tailored from Kinder to Year 6.
Will I always get the same chrysalis?
We will try to send you the Monarch chrysalises (see images above) when we can but, at different times of the year there are limitations in availability and we will send the species available at the time. Butterfly chrysalises come in very different textures shapes and colours: green or brown, smooth or slightly spiked and some can even wriggle! Please let us know if you only want a Monarch but this could mean a longer wait.
Do we need to place flowers into the chrysalis kit with the newly hatched butterfly?
You can place flowers into the cube to decorate it, of course, although the butterfly does not need it. Please release your butterfly within 48 hours of it emerging.
Are all Australian weather /eco conditions okay for these butterflies to be released into?
Monarch butterflies have been in Australia for 150 years and thought to be brought here by hurricanes. They took hold in Australia when white people brought the host plant seeds (Asclepias sp), possibly in the new settlers’ mattresses, because the fluffy part of the seeds was used much like cotton. Monarchs are now found in all states of Australia. They overwinter as adults. In warm conditions butterflies feed on ANY nectar producing plants and look for each other to pair. Then they look for their host plants (milkweed), which are common and found in all states of Australia. Monarchs are not considered a pest species or in any way damaging to the environment.
Why is there an extra fee applicable to Western Australia orders?
Western Australia remains relatively free of pests and diseases . To protect this WA through Quarantine WA inspects all incoming plants & animals to ensure they meet import guidelines. To do this they charge a fee of $49.20. This will be invoiced directly to you from Department of Primary Industries if your order is pulled out of the mail system to be inspected.
Can I reuse my cube?
Yes definitely! You can keep it and order more chrysalis or check out some of our other reuse ideas.
Western Australia
Why are shipments now only being sent on Mondays?
Due to tighter biosecurity regulations in Western Australia, we now ship WA orders on Mondays only. This ensures that if your package is selected for inspection by the Department of Primary Industries (DPI), it won’t sit in the postal system over the weekend when deliveries do not occur.
What is the new quarantine (inspection) fee?
Western Australia maintains strict biosecurity standards to protect the state from pests and diseases. If your package is selected for inspection, the DPI may apply an inspection fee of $49.20. This fee is invoiced directly to you by the DPI only if your package is pulled aside for inspection.
Why is the inspection fee being charged?
The fee forms part of the DPI’s process for inspecting live materials entering Western Australia. Their officers check the shipment to ensure it complies with WA’s strict biosecurity requirements. If your package is selected, the inspection fee is applied.
Will the quarantine fee apply to all shipments to Western Australia?
No. The fee is only charged if the DPI inspects your package. Packages that pass through without inspection do not incur the fee.
How long will this shipping schedule change last?
For now, the Monday-only schedule will remain in place for the foreseeable future, due to both updated WA biosecurity procedures and current Australia Post delivery delays for Western Australia.
Can I still place an order if I’m in Western Australia?
Yes! You can continue to order as usual. The only changes are that shipments are sent on Mondays and your package may incur an inspection fee if selected by the DPI. If you have any questions, our team is happy to help.
Do you use Express Post for WA deliveries?
Yes — all WA shipments are sent via Express Post to ensure the fastest possible delivery time, especially when delays or inspections occur.
What happens if my package is delayed due to inspection?
If DPI inspects your package, delivery may be delayed by a few days. All live materials are packed safely and securely to withstand handling during inspection.
Can I track my order?
Yes. All WA shipments include tracking, and you will receive your tracking number once your order has been lodged with Australia Post.
Do inspections damage the containers or harm the live insects?
DPI officers are trained to carefully handle and inspect live biological material. Packages are resealed securely after inspection to ensure they travel safely.
Spiny Leaf Insects
How do I feed my Spiny Leaf Insects?
Eucalyptus leaves are the easiest and most reliable food source. Always use fresh branches and replace them every 3 days, as dry leaves become inedible. You don’t need a huge amount — a small fresh bunch is enough as long as it stays hydrated. If you’re unsure whether a plant is Eucalyptus, check with someone who can identify it.
If Eucalyptus is unavailable, you may substitute rose or blackberry leaves, provided they have not been sprayed with insecticides. Keep the leaves fresh by placing the stems in a stable glass jar filled with water.
What temperature should I keep them at?
Spiny Leaf Insects thrive at 22–26°C but can tolerate 10–20°C with a slower growth rate. Eggs typically hatch between 20–25°C.
Do they need water?
Yes. Lightly mist the branches once per day. Allow the droplets to dry fully before the next misting to prevent mould. Many owners enjoy watching their insects drink the droplets using their tiny jaws!
How do I clean their enclosure?
Clean the enclosure every few days. Gently remove the branches with your insects still on them, then scoop out dry droppings (which smell pleasantly of Eucalyptus!) and any fallen leaves.
As adults begin laying eggs, you’ll notice round, shiny eggs mixed with the frass. With practice, you’ll quickly learn to tell them apart. Many people enjoy starting their own stick insect colony from these eggs.
Can I hold them?
Yes! One of the best parts of keeping Spiny Leaf Insects is how safe and gentle they are. Their legs have tiny hooks and pads that help them grip surfaces, including your hand. To handle them, simply offer your hand as a walking surface. When you’re ready to return them, present a branch and they will happily walk back onto it.
What enclosure should I keep them in?
Your enclosure should be around three times taller than the adult insect. Females reach about 13–15 cm, so a minimum height of 45 cm is recommended. A smaller enclosure may restrict movement or make it difficult for them to shed their skin properly.
Will they reproduce?
Once they reach maturity, females can be recognised by their small wing pads, while males are slimmer with fully developed wings.
Spiny Leaf Insects lay shiny, round eggs with a small fleshy “lobe.” In nature, this lobe attracts ants, which carry the eggs into their nests. After several months (depending on temperature and humidity), the young hatch inside the ant nest. They mimic ants in appearance and movement until they reach the safety of vegetation.
Females have an incredible ability to reproduce without males through a process called parthenogenesis. Eggs laid without mating produce daughters that are genetically identical to the mother — perfect for stable, predictable environments.
If males are present, you may observe fascinating mating behaviour. After mating, females may carry a small gelatinous mass at the tip of the abdomen — a store of reproductive cells. Fertilised eggs produce both male and female offspring with more diverse genetics, increasing resilience and adaptability.
Downloads and Documents
The download of my product didn’t work.
Please email info@butterflyadventures.com.au and we will send you another copy.
I purchased an activities book but I didn’t receive it.
The book will have been emailed through on the day you placed your order. They do
sometimes go to Spam folders. Otherwise please email info@butterflyadventures.com.au.
Delivery
Where do you deliver?
We deliver throughout Australia, wherever the Express Post or an overnight courier (used for Releases) can reliably reach you from Melbourne. If in doubt, please get in touch with us.
What does “desired dispatch date” mean?
This is the date you would like your package to be given to Australia Post. This is not the date your package will arrive. You can check the Australia Post website for regular updates on delivery times to your location and choose your send date accordingly.
Why the change from “desired delivery date” to “desired dispatch date” – this change was made due to Australia Post no longer guaranteeing overnight delivery. Delivery times now vary depending on your location therefore we can no longer guarantee a delivery date for you.
How long does delivery take?
We use Express Post and overnight couriers (Releases if required). Australia Post has removed their overnight delivery guarantee
– most times though they are close for metro locations (except during busy periods – eg Christmas) – refer to their website for your location’s delivery times. Express Post is still their quickest delivery method.
How do I track my order?
As soon as the parcel is registered with a delivery company, you should receive a notification
via email and/or text message. Sometimes, these emails get lost in the junk or spam
folder, so please check there before contacting us.
How much does delivery cost?
The delivery costs are variable. To keep things simple, the delivery cost is included with caterpillar kits and refills. For other items, we use the Aus Post software to estimate the volume and cost of your parcel delivery. This figure is automatically added to the cost of your item(s). You can get a preview of the shipping cost by putting in your shipping address and proceeding to check out. You don’t need to commit to paying anything to see the delivery fee.
What happens if the parcels aren’t delivered on time?
We will try and get as close to your desired send date as possible but as Mother
Nature plays a part this is not always possible. Once your parcel is with the post we
don’t have control over the package anymore unfortunately. If your parcel is a butterfly
release we will work with you to rectify the delivery or refund if this is not possible.
What if the parcel gets stuck in the post?
Australia Post will keep you updated via email/text. Once in their system we cannot
access the package so we will need to wait until it is delivered and work with you if there
is an issue.
Payments/Invoices
Can I get an invoice to pay?
Yes, absolutely. Place your order and choose ‘bank transfer’ as the payment method.
The invoice will be attached to the order confirmation email.
What payment options do you have available?
We accept Credit Cards, PayPal, Direct Bank Transfer and AfterPay.
When is my payment due?
Payments need to be made before the order can be sent. Purchase Orders can be used
for schools, kinders and educational institutions.
Returns and Replacements
Do you do refunds for change of mind?
For Parties, Educational Presentations and Gazebo Events cancellations, we will refund if cancellation is made at least 5 working days prior to the event.
Outdoor events – If cancelled due to weather conditions or other unexpected circumstances outside of your control, we’ll refund 50% of the fees if less than 5 days notice is given.
Butterfly Releases – we will refund the full amount if you inform us 10 working days prior to the event or if we can allocate butterflies to other customers.
Do you replace chrysalises if they don’t emerge as butterflies?
For live material (caterpillars, pupae, butterflies), we’ll exchange or refund them as long
as you have followed our instructions and recommendations. We may also exchange/refund the
product if it is damaged in transit due to handling or major delays.
My item arrived damaged.
Please take it directly to your Post Office to lodge a claim. If the item is defective or
damaged, we’ll happily exchange it for the same item. Just send us an email with photos
to info@butterflyadventures.com.au.
I need to cancel my order.
I need to cancel my party, event or presentation booking.
Butterfly Parties
How many guests can your parties accommodate?
You can see a list of our packages and the number of guests they’re suitable for on our party page here.
Are we able to combine different packages?
We’re more than happy to work with you on creating the perfect party, just email us at parties@butterflyadventures.com.au or fill the party enquiry form on our party page to discuss further.
Is the face paint you use safe?
Absolutely! We only use high quality professional face paint that is both ECC and FDA approved.
What allergens are in the face paint?
Our face paints are gluten free, nut free and vegan friendly. As with any cosmetics there is a rare chance of a reaction. Professional grade face paints are recommended for 3 years and up. It’s important to understand that if you want your child or children under 3 years to be painted it is against the manufactures advise.
Are glitter tattoos safe?
Yes absolutely! The glitter and glue are both high quality cosmetic grade products which are skin safe and toxin free.
We only put glitter tattoos on hands, arms and legs. We don’t put glitter tattoos on faces to prevent anything getting in a persons eye.
How long do glitter tattoos last?
They can last 2-7 days but typically 5 days if cared for. They are somewhat waterproof so won’t come off at a pool party! They can be removed with rubbing alcohol or warm soapy water and a washcloth.
I only have a small group of guests attending, can I make the booking shorter?
We can certainly work with you to make the package suit your needs, just send us an email to discuss.
What size tents do you have?
We have 4 different tent sizes ranging from 1.8m across to 3.5m across.
Can your tents be set up inside? Outside? A park?
Yes to all! Our smaller tents can be easily set up in your living room or other spaces. We often do events in public parks and all different kinds of venues.
Collaboration
I’d like to do a social media collaboration, how do I go about that?
Please contact info@butterflyadventures.com.au and we will put you in touch with an
appropriate person.
I’d like to do a collaboration with our company, who should I contact?
Please contact info@butterflyadventures.com.au and we will put you in touch with an
appropriate person.
Christmas 2026
What is the closest to Christmas I can have my kit delivered?
Because we’re shipping live insects, it’s very important that we take every precaution to ensure they arrive safely and don’t get delayed into the non delivery period over the Christmas break. We work closely with Australia Post and plan our send dates around their Express Post Christmas cut-offs to make sure your butterflies are well cared for in transit.
Our 2026 dates will be updated closer to Christmas!
Can I leave it in the box until Christmas?
Unfortunately, no. The chrysalis in your kit are living creatures and need to be set up as soon as you receive them. They continue to develop and can’t be paused.
We recommend either:
- Giving the gift as soon as it arrives, or
- Sending it directly to the recipient as an early Christmas surprise.
Do you deliver to Western Australia and Northern Territory?
Unfortunatley due to the delays we encountered in 2025 to these locations, we will not be sending in December via Australia Post – Express Post. Our last send date will be November. Couriers are reliable at this time so we can quote on this – email info@butterflyadventures.com.au
How long does it take for the butterfly to emerge?
Monarch chrysalis typically take between 4 and 12 days after you receive your kit. This depends largely on temperature — warmer weather means faster emergence, so timing can vary during summer.
Are caterpillar kits available for Christmas?
We have caterpillar kits available for sending on DATE TBA. You’ll be able to watch your caterpillars growing and changing over the holiday season!
Can I choose my own delivery date?
Because we’re shipping live insects, we can’t offer custom delivery dates — but you can select from our available send dates at checkout. This ensures your kit is sent safely within the recommended window for your area and won’t get delayed or stuck in transit over the busy Christmas period.
If you’re giving it as a gift, you can:
- Choose a later send date so it arrives closer to Christmas, or
- Have it sent directly to the recipient as an early surprise!
When should I place my order to make sure it arrives before Christmas?
We recommend placing your order as soon as possible as we do often sell out. Your last chance to place an order for Christmas shipping is DATE TBA in the new year
Do you offer Christmas events or parties?
Yes! We have our Butterfly Gazebo available for Christmas and end-of-year celebrations. We can also run our party packages for work functions, kinders, schools, or at-home events — a magical way to finish the year!
