Lil Urban Farm

Day: April 26, 2025

  • How to Make an Easy DIY Bug Observatory

    How to Make an Easy DIY Bug Observatory

    This easy Dollar Tree hanging Bug Observatory is so easy to assemble and perfect for kids to learn about the lifecycle of moths/butterflies!

    I came up with this after I accidentally removed a cocoon I found. I wanted to keep it elevated and safe, since I removed it from where it was and realized I could use Dollar Tree baskets.

    I placed the big basket over a smaller basket so it could stand up, and it became a perfect cocoon / butterfly / moth / hatching observatory!

    To make this more secure, I added zip ties on three sides, and a fourth to the top in order to hang off a garden hook. Full directions can be found below.

    Please be sure to put this in a location you can continuously check so it can be released back into nature right away, once you are complete watching the butterfly or moth hatch.

    BUG OBSERVATORY PROJECT LIST:

    TOOLS:

    • Scissors

    PRODUCTS:

    1. Flip the large waste basket upside-down. Using a zip tie, find the center of the large wast basket and make a loop for hanging.
    2. Now place the large waste basket on top of the small round basket to make an enclosure.
    3. Place you cocoon or observable critter in the enclosure.
    4. Using zip ties, fasten at least three areas of the two basket together at equal distances. This will keep the enclosure securely connected. Keep in mind that this will require you to cut the zip ties once you are ready to release whatever you enclose.
    5. Using your scissors, snip off all the extra ends of the zip ties that stick out.
    6. Now take the garden hanging hook (if using) and push the bottom prongs into the ground or a pot with nice flowers so that it stand upright securely. Hang your bug observatory and enjoy the show!