We have a couple of Science experiments ongoing at home. This could also be categorized as growing pets at home.

  • Growing butterflies: Kids are just totally intrigued by the metamorphosis process. Ashwini can even say that word perfectly.
    • Painted Lady butterflies: This was our third batch of 5 caterpillars from Insectlore.com. Four of them successfully turned into cocoons and the butterflies emerged about one week ago. We wanted to release them yesterday but, only two flew away. The other two were busy with lovemaking and had no interest in flying away. They will be released over the weekend. If they lay eggs before that, it will be interesting to start the whole cycle again.
    • Monarch butterflies: One of my colleagues brought me 2 caterpillars that his mother caught in the woods. Both of them turned into chrysalis. One butterfly already emerged and we released him (we know the gender from spot pattern). We noticed this morning that the second chrysalis had turned brown. It means that the butterfly will be out by the end of today or tomorrow by latest. This generation will lay eggs soon and the butterflies from those eggs will do the amazing migration all the way to Mexico.
  • Venus fly trap: V brought us a kit to grow the carnivorous plant, Venus fly trap. After reading instructions, it looks like it is going to take a long time for them to grow. After the seeds go in the soil, we have to keep the pot in the refrigerator for 8 weeks. After taking it out, it takes 4 to 6 more weeks for them to germinate. I hope this is not a scam. :)