Thursday, July 30, 2009

How do you look after caterpillars?

I've found smooth yellow caterpillars in my kitchen which has no windows, with no definite point of entry into my kitchen but don't know how to take care of the caterpillars before they can be moved to a suitable environment.
Answers:
why would you want to? put em outside. there not dogs.
From eggs to butterflies takes about four to six weeks. Here's how to care for your caterpillars and chrysalises during that time.

Containers: Use a small aquarium with a screen top, or use a gallon jar and cover it with a piece of cheesecloth, fastened securely with a rubber band. Give your caterpillars some sticks to crawl on. Keep your container in a light, airy place, but not in direct sunlight. Do not use a jar with holes punched in the lid. Caterpillars can be cut by the sharp edges of the holes.

Cleaning: Caterpillars eat a lot, so they produce a lot of waste. Clean the container daily to prevent mold growth. Line the bottom of your cage with paper towels to make cleaning easier.

Feeding: Caterpillars need fresh milkweed cuttings every day. Cut several stalks at once and put the extra in a glass of water in the refrigerator until you're ready to use it.

Handling: Caterpillars are susceptible to bacterial and viral infections. Wash your hands thoroughly before handling them.
If your caterpillars seem lethargic or have changed color, do not handle them. They are probably preparing to molt or form their chrysalis. Make sure they can do so in a place high enough for their wings to stretch out fully.

A monarch chrysalis will turn dark when the butterfly is ready to emerge. Keep watch for the fascinating event: It only takes a few seconds for a butterfly to emerge, and it usually emerges in the morning. Once you have gazed upon your newly emerged butterfly, release it within four to six hours.

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