Insect and Butterfly Habitat - 24 Inches Tall

Big. Sturdy. Side-opening door is great because the butterflies like to make their chrysalises on the top - this way you don't disturb them. We use it with a plastic tray (clear plastic for use under pots - available at any nursery) and put plant stems into small disposable Tupperware type containers filled with water and glass beads. The containers have lids so we just poked holes through the top to stick the stems through. The cut stems stay alive and perky for DAYS and the caterpillars are happy. Sometimes they move off the plants between instars, then climb back up and chomp away. We currently have monarch caterpillars eating milkweed and anise swallowtails eating fennel leaves in the same enclosure. Friend advised me to disinfect with sprayed bleach before first use and between caterpillar batches. And rinse off plants before putting them into the habitat. We previously had 'black death' on our milkweed so I hope we are able to keep that away with the new 'protocol'. Also - will be removing frass regularly as the caterpillars get bigger and the big side door makes that easier as well. SO pleased!

I received my insect/butterfly habitat the day after ordering it because I'm a Prime member. It is perfect for monarch butterflies! I live in Florida and have a large patio area that is home to 3 species of lizards and many wasp/bees. I had planted milkweed and seen monarchs laying eggs. But the larvae would always disappear after a few days so I knew they were getting eaten. The habitat is large and tall enough to fit 2 milkweed plants. The fine mesh keeps the lizards out and the clear vinyl side makes for great viewing to see in. It is well constructed and the handles make it easy to move around. Right now I have at least 3 larvae and 1 chrysalis! I'm so excited and very pleased with my purchase. I highly recommend this product and will probably buy more from Oxel Company in the future!

This is my second purchase of an Oxel butterfly habitat. The first was the smaller cube sized one which is still in good shape after many Black Swallowtail caterpillars and two years outdoors. I purchased this larger tent so I can have two sizes plus more space for the taller milkweed because I also have Monarchs this year. I was pleasantly surprised to see that this tent has two zippers, which is great for access, especially when the caterpillars make their chrysalis on the zipper! Both tents are sturdy, have a nice clear panel on one side and a small flap in the corners of the zippers to further prevent small insects from getting into the tent.

This is great as a habitat to raise caterpillars into butterflies. Larger and lighter weight than a typical terrarium, and allows you to easily see from multiple angles (especially the clear plastic side). We just had 22 monarch caterpillars generate their chrysalis, and it was easily observable with this habitat. I will probably buy another, as 22 butterflies will likely be too many for just one (we want to give them ample room to fly a bit, before finally releasing). The bottom of the habitat is also mesh, so it will require putting down some newspaper or paper towels to more easily clean up all the caterpillar frass. Since the bottom is flexible, if you put anything in that is heavy (a potted plant, etc.), you will need to support it from the bottom when carrying. Also, since there is a zipper on one side, do be careful when zipping/unzipping, as sometimes there might just be a caterpillar resting on the zipper. The mesh is also convenient if you end up having a chrysalis that falls-- take some dental floss and gently tie a knot around the 'stem' of the chrysalis (the end of the stem furthest away from the chrysalis-- versus close, as it can rip the chrysalis), then thread each end of the floss through the mesh on the 'roof' of the habitat (I used a needle to get the floss through) and secure it.

I am very pleased with this habitat. It is roomy and rigid with good access for adding and removing several plants. It would be nice if it had a waterproof, solid floor as some do (thus 4 stars). Having read other reviews, I covered a piece of cardboard with contact paper to put in the bottom. I like that I can buy just the habitat without all the kits, etc., because I don't need those.

This butterfly / insect habitat has far exceeded our expectation! It’s extemely well made with a zippered side to place items inside, and a side of clear vinyl to see detail inside the habitat. It comes with a detailed instruction sheet on how to make the environment inside the habitat, as well as the life cycle of the butterflies.We purchased this for our grand daughter to put her gulf fritillary caterpillars in. The caterpillars climb all around the mesh walls and we added sticks and a potted maypop plant for food. The caterpillars are thriving and we are so exited to see the next stage!

This is a great habitat for my Monarch butterfly eggs and caterpillars. It protects them from various predators (wasps, birds) and I can observe them as they grow! I also have a very large mesh habitat (approx. 5ft. X 2.5 ft. X 2.5 ft.) but it takes up a lot of room in my patio. This version is large enough to put a one gallon pot of milkweed inside for the hungry caterpillars, but small enough to put on my patio table! I also REALLY appreciate the two zippers so if a caterpillar/chrysalis is on the zipper, I can open the door from the other direction! One small complaint: I wish the bottom were of sturdier material so it could better support the milkweed pots I replace when the caterpillars have eaten all of the leaves. Still, I like this habitat enough to give it 5 stars! And it feels great to be able to contribute to the declining population of the beautiful and amazing Monarch butterflies!