On Easter Monday, four of our butterflies were released from the net. The oldest was about 5 days old by then and it was important to release them before they began to lay eggs. I had heard that the butterflies often land on little hands and faces before they fly away so I asked my niece to help me to see if this was true. 

The butterflies all landed on her hand before flying away so this story does seem to be true! The last butterfly didn't seem ready to go just yet, he was having a little trouble trying to fly away so we kept him for an extra day and released him on Tuesday. Interestingly, when he was taken out of the net, he flew off in the same direction as the ones released yesterday.
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Our caterpillars have finally emerged from their chrysalides. We have 5 lovely Painted Lady butterflies. The first one broke out of its chrysalis on Thursday and by Saturday afternoon all five were fluttering around the net. They need to be fed everyday. They eat nectar like bees so they like wild flowers and the juice from some fruits. I've given them apples and oranges but they seem to prefer the oranges. In a few days when their wings are good and strong, they will be released from the net to go and lay eggs and start the life cycle all over again.