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Thursday, August 9, 2018

Raising Black Swallowtails - First Update

The Black Swallowtail Caterpillars are doing awesome!
They are eating, moving around and climbing...they are so much fun to watch.
It is especially fun to watch them eat!

Most of them have gotten so much bigger since I brought them inside...

a few are still tiny but they are active and eating.
When I woke up this morning, there was not one piece of dill in there cage/home.
Above is what I had given them last night.

The bottom of their cage looks like this, after I have cleaned it and given them new food.
I will keep a close eye on them today, to see how long this lasts,
soon I will have to double the quantity, they really eat a lot of dill.
No worries there, I have a ton and it is still growing.

They love to climb, this guy especially, 
I may need a few more sticks!

We have a small road trip planned, we are going to Mystic Seaport,
I will take them, and a large supply of dill, with me.

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22 comments:

  1. SandiAugust 9, 2018 at 10:17 AM

    :-D

    They are like babies!

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    1. DebbieAugust 9, 2018 at 10:52 AM

      they are so easy to care for - and they are bringing me so much joy!!

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  2. SallyAugust 9, 2018 at 10:27 AM

    That's awesome, Debbie! You're such a kind person.

    Have fun on your trip! :)

    xoxo

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  3. BonnieAugust 9, 2018 at 10:32 AM

    I love that you are doing this. One year I had brought a habitats for monarchs. It was so much fun. We actually had the chance to watch two spin their chrysalis. Needless to say we did nothing that ex crept crowd around and watch. Thanks for sharing this awesome miracle. Hugs!

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  4. David M. Gascoigne,August 9, 2018 at 10:40 AM

    Kudos for taking care of these incipient butterflies.

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  5. eileeninmdAugust 9, 2018 at 11:06 AM

    Hello, what a neat process. You are like a mother to them. It is nice they are going on a road trip too. Have a great day and safe travels.

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  6. Ruth HiebertAugust 9, 2018 at 2:20 PM

    They sure have grown.

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  7. DeniseinVAAugust 9, 2018 at 2:47 PM

    I love the fact that you bring them inside. You give them sanctuary until they are ready to fly away. And they go with you on your trip? Lucky little caterpillars :) and I agree with Jill, you are a real gem :)))

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    Replies
    1. DebbieAugust 9, 2018 at 4:20 PM

      hi denise, they are at risk outdoors, many are eaten by predictors to them. there has been a decline of the number of butterflies recently so raising them indoors is encouraged!!

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  8. DebbieAugust 9, 2018 at 4:24 PM

    we are bringing them with us jill because i don't have anyone i trust enough to watch them. and if i asked someone, they would have to come here twice per day to pick dill. i don't know, i guess i could give them dill, it could be refrigerated, but quite frankly, they are at a vulnerable stage and i would feel better if we had them with us. it won't be any trouble!!

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  9. Marie SmithAugust 9, 2018 at 6:18 PM

    They will be well cared for and well traveled, Debbie! I love to see their progress!

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  10. CaroleAugust 9, 2018 at 6:25 PM

    Those look very much like the caterpillars we have that turn into Monarch butterflies Take care. Cheers from Carole's Chatter
    PS. Found you via LInda's sidebar .. Have followed her since before the grand quads were born

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  11. Karen LakisAugust 9, 2018 at 7:55 PM

    Those caterpillars are living quite the life - an endless supply of dill, maid service, and a road trip to Mystic! Lucky little bugs - I'm looking forward to the rest of this story!

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  12. BeachGypsyAugust 9, 2018 at 9:22 PM

    oh my goodness!!???--they ate ALL OF THAT? Wow!--you are going to have some beautiful butterflies!! Cant wait to see them!

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  13. Louca por porcelanaAugust 9, 2018 at 9:27 PM

    Very interesting!Hugs!

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  14. LeAnnAugust 9, 2018 at 11:25 PM

    I love how you are mothering them. You know how to nurture well. I have to smile that you are traveling with these interesting and amazing caterpillars. Love following your journey!
    Have a sweet trip. Blessings and hugs!

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  15. LindaAugust 10, 2018 at 12:42 AM

    Amazing!!!! You are such a fascinating lady!

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  16. italiafinlandiaAugust 10, 2018 at 3:31 AM

    Amazing! You have chosen an unusual hobby, but useful and fun!

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  17. Margaret Birding For PleasureAugust 10, 2018 at 3:42 AM

    I am glad you are enjoying raising these creatures.

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  18. Brian KingAugust 10, 2018 at 8:51 AM

    Road trip! LOL! That will be fun! You're not kidding about the eating!

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  19. Lowcarb team memberAugust 10, 2018 at 6:50 PM

    They are growing so well.
    I think it's great that you are taking them with you on your road trip.

    All the best Jan

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  20. 21 WitsAugust 11, 2018 at 1:35 PM

    What fun, thanks for sharing their stages!

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