Educational Insights GeoSafari Jr. Ladybug Garden - Ladybug House, Kids Science Kit with Live Ladybugs, Terrarium Kit for Kids, at Home STEM Bug Habitat for Boys & Girls Ages 3+

This Ladybug Garden is really cute, and it's bigger than other kits that I have seen. The ladybug larvae seem to like their habitat. The ladybug shaped cave and tree design give them a lot of hiding spots that they seem to enjoy. The sponge works well for holding the water. It can be a little awkward to reach around the tree branches to avoid dropping the food into the water, but the tiny but long spoon that is included when you order the larvae is helpful for that purpose.My 4 1/2 year old son has been interested in looking at the larvae, and I have too! It's fun to watch them eat, and they do eat quite a bit. He says he wants to see them turn into ladybugs and is looking forward to seeming them as pupa. The instruction guide that comes with the Ladybug Garden has a lot of good information and pictures to explain the process, fun facts and some small coloring and drawing activities. His preschool has introduced a Butterfly Garden, but I like that ladybugs have a bit shorter transformation time.A certificate is included with the Ladybug Garden that allows you to order ladybug larvae online from Carolina Biological Supply Company for $12.95 shipping and handling. The fee was a little higher than expected, but I was able to find a coupon code online that saved a little. The larvae come with food, instructions (although you'll want to follow the instruction booklet for the Ladybug Garden instead) and the aforementioned spoon.The larvae can't ship in extreme cold winter temperatures, and Educational Insights recommends spring or summer. However, I live in Florida and had no problems receiving the larvae in February. Carolina Biological says that they ship 10 to 15 larvae and guarantee at least 5 adult lady beetles. I received about 12 live larvae, and several appear close to turning into pupa.Update: We have 9 ladybugs! One larvae took 2-3 days longer to turn into a pupa, so the total may end up being 10. I think that's a pretty good result, so I would recommend using the certificate included with the Ladybug Garden to purchase ladybug larvae.

This is such a neat lady bug house. It even has magnifying glass to see them better.

This was such a fun, educational experience! This kit came with clear instructions and was easy to assemble. Ordering the lady bugs separately was also easy. I feel like the whole family learned a lot watching these little things grow and change. It would make a great gift for kids interested in nature.

BEWARE. The ladybugs are not free. The "certificate" they give you is just a link to order them off a third party website, in addition to the 12.95 shipping fee. If I had known, I would not have purchased.

Like the tree design better than the other one avaible. Just ordered ladybugs with certificate from site it’s not $12.95 anymore there no code it $16.45 then $17.44 with tax so be repaired to spend more

Update: we have now had this item over a year and have used it for several overnights guests, including a frog and other interesting bugs. But no ladybugs yet. I’d say this was a great buy still because it’s successfully has kept outside critters from escaping during observations.Original review-Received this item today and quickly realized the obvious, it doesn’t come with ladybugs! I have to purchase them separately which isn’t a big deal. They include a suggested place to buy them for shipping and handling charge of 12.95, i think I can find some locally. This is excellent for a child as young as 3 or 4.Now for the structure, I think it’s very solid, bright and fun. I would have totally had it in my kindergarten or first grade classroom.I’ll update review once I find lady bugs, I believe I’ll change to 5 stars once I test it out with ladybugs inside since it looks solid. Let me know if this was helpful by clicking “helpful”

Fascinating to watch the larvae (sold separately) grow! We also used it before the larvae arrived to catch ladybugs in our garden & keep them in here for a bit to observe them. We always release them safely of course. I've purchased 2 ladybug gardens & by far prefer this one. It's adorable & affordable

Grands enjoyed playing with it