An explanation of the four stages of a butterfly’s life (egg, larva, pupa, adult), detailed in text and photographs, is paired with an introduction to a Costa Rican farm that cultivates pupae to sell to museums around the world. The description of the farming operations includes fascinating details about the challenges of raising butterflies. Staff must follow precision-timing protocol necessary to ship pupae before they hatch into butterflies, as well as work constantly to keep all the inhabitants fed (several hundred very hungry caterpillars can eat through an entire greenhouse of leaves in a day or two). Well-chosen and spectacular images dominate the pages of this photo documentary that offers closing supplemental material including a glossary and further reading list. (Ages 7–10)

Some farms grow vegetables or grains, and some raise cows, sheep, chickens, or pigs. But have you ever heard of a butterfly farm? How do you raise a butterfly?

On a farm in Costa Rica, workers care for these delicate, winged creatures as they change from eggs to caterpillars to pupae. Like any other crop, the butterflies will eventually leave the farm. But where will they go? And just how do you ship a butterfly?

Very carefully! To discover how it works, follow these butterflies on a remarkable journey!