A GROUP of children have discovered just how cruel nature can be after their mother released a butterfly into the wild, only for it to be eaten straight away by their pet dog.

The family, from New Jersey, the U.S., were releasing the butterfly for the first time after nurturing it from when they took it in as a caterpillar.

A 15-second clip shows the moment the mother took the fluttering butterfly outside in a net pouch joined by her brood.

The woman carefully opens the zip, allowing the butterfly to spread its wings and make its first journey into the wild.

But, horror strikes as moments after the creature is set free, the family dog hops up and snatches the insect in its mouth in front of the horrified children, who can be heard crying and screaming in shock at the cruel display.

The clip was posted onto Instagram by the woman’s sister who wrote the caption, “My sister and her kids releasing the butterflies, from when he was a caterpillar. so beautiful (you won’t be disappointed).”

The video has been watched over 2,500 times. (SD-Agencies)