Tuesday, August 7, 2018

Raising Swallowtails...

The hubs found them on Saturday August 4th. 
He went outside to water and came in with the news.
"we have cats" - I knew what that meant.
I was ecstatic, 
I could not get outside quick enough to see how many we had.

9 baby swallowtail caterpillars...planting all that dill had paid off.
They are so tiny, so fragile...
but they are in good hands, and a safe place.

Their home was clean and ready for them,

I have them sitting close to the window, with a great view.

I took this picture today of 3 of them, they seem to love the chop stick.
All 9 are growing and appear to be healthy.
They are climbing all over the place and eating like crazy.
and...
- they are pooping machines -

20 comments:

Marie Smith said...

What goes in...

It will be fun to watch them Debbie. Keep us posted.

Debbie said...

hi marie, dill goes in, that's what they eat...is that what you meant??

Sandi said...

Oh, wow!

Pooping machimes...ha ha! They are babies afterall. ;-)

eileeninmd said...

Hello, it is exciting. Being able to watch the whole process. I love their cute home. Happy Tuesday, enjoy your day!

Bonnie said...

Oh Debbie how wonderful! I can’t wait to see the mature butterfly.

italiafinlandia said...

My compliments for what you are doing! That is something I would really like...I adore butterflies. Please keep us updated.
All the best to your cats!!!

~Lavender Dreamer~ said...

Oh my goodness! They are so tiny and cute! Well, you'll have your work cut out cleaning after these 'cats'! heehee! I can't wait to see how they do! Keep us informed! Hugs!

Louca por porcelana said...

Interesting post.Are they able to survive this way?!So neat.Thanks for sharing.Hugs!

Ruth Hiebert said...

I know you are taking lots of pictures so I hope to follow their growth via the blog. Fascinating to say the least.

Sallie (FullTime-Life) said...

Your babies are doing what all babies do -- eat, sleep, and poop!! Fabulous. I didn't know dill was a great host plant. Will mention that to my daughter!!!

David M. Gascoigne, said...

Ours have all left for the year. We did collect some Monarch eggs for a friend and I am sure she will have fun raising them.

Michelle said...

Eating and pooping is a good sign! I hope they do well!

Karen Lakis said...

Oh - very exciting! I can't wait to see how they do!

LeAnn said...

Oh, I am excited again to follow these posts. I love how you work witht them and your loving care. The end results are always so beautiful.
Blessings and hugs!

Changes in the wind said...

They are in good hands and should thrive!

Conniecrafter said...

Oh how fun, it will be so neat to watch them grow :) Great timing that your dill is ready to be use too!

Brian King said...

Oh, that's awesome! This will be fun!

Lowcarb team member said...

How wonderful to see this …
Brilliant!

All the best Jan

Angie said...

This is new to me - dill for swallowtails - but then I don't know a lot about butterflies … I look forward to watching their progression!

Sue (this n that) said...

Just now catching up on your beautiful butterfly raising again. I'm fascinated by it all :D) xx