I have more butterflies, caterpillars and chrysalis than I know what to do with.
I have two cages in the house, one filled with caterpillars,
the other filled with chrysalis.
I use to keep track better but right now all I know is that I have 17 caterpillars,
or "cats" as the hubs likes to call them...
and a bunch of chrysalis.
About a week or so ago, I brought these 17 caterpillars inside,
and placed them in my large cage.
I believe there only purpose in life is to eat,
poop, grow...and fight over the corner spots in the cage.
These 17 are all still caterpillars.
My small cage is filled with chrysalis, I can't remember how many.
Three of those butterflies emerged today.
I was able to release two of them but one will have to wait until morning.
This happened and you are not suppose to release them in the rain.
And to say it rained is a huge understatement!
I will release the third butterfly early tomorrow morning.
I hope I can get some pictures,
usually if they are in the cage more than 2 hours after emerging, they fly right off.
I hope I can get some pictures,
usually if they are in the cage more than 2 hours after emerging, they fly right off.
And I also have some "early stage" caterpillars outside on my dill,
maybe around eight...this is all getting pretty overwhelming!
29 comments:
We find it easier to bring in a whole stalk from the plant and set it in water inside the cage. The plant takes up the water and stays fresh. Right now we have four of each - four caterpillars and four chrysalises. In fact I am pretty sure we will have a butterfly later today. We have released three species this year, Black and Giant Swallowtails, and Monarchs. Everything we have at present are Monarchs.
Should I start calling you "Mother Nature"? (,(,(,(,(,(,(,(, ")
Hello, you are amazing. I agree with Andy above, you can be called Mother Nature II. The butterflies and caterpillars are beautiful. Great work! Enjoy your day, we could use some rain here.
♥ ♥ ♥
Your family is expanding at an alarming rate, Debbie! You’re the butterfly whisperer.
Awesome process...!
Wow,the process of them growing must be fascinating☺
hehehehe, good one!!!
Butterfly Mom is fussing:)
I "raised" a Luna Moth once and it was a nervous time for me.
I can't even imagine all the work involved in your project.
Such beautiful results!!
You are a lovely "mom". The butterflies will be grateful.
Wow, never heard of anyone that was raising butterflies. How exciting Debbie!
That is so wonderful Debbie. We did that with Tomato worms once year. I loved it and I still don't kill them when they are on my tomato plants. They only eat what they need and I have never lost any tomato bushes. Its so amazing to watch them emerge. Such beautiful butterflies.
You may have to hire help with this 'nursery'. What would happen if you left the caterpillars outside to eat and grow and do what they need to do?
i have done that ruth. once as i sat outside knitting i watched a bird come in and eat one, there is always that risk. we tried again to leave them outdoors in a more natural setting and a few of them drown during a heavy rain storm. the rain knocks them off the dill and they drown in the pot. it is a bit of work bringing them indoors but we have found that it is best for their health and survival!!
Don't let anyone discourage you from doing what you are doing, Debbie. We have reduced the native vegetation of so many species that any help we can give them is worthwhile, beneficial to both you and the butterflies, and you learn so much in the process, and your appreciation of and admiration for the natural world grows exponentially. Bravo, I say!
Sure enough we went on our regular Tuesday morning bird outing and when we returned there was a Monarch exercising its wings. It is now flying free. We have done everything we can to give it a good start on life.
The caterpillars' aim in life sounds rather wonderful to me. Aren't those caterpillars pretty. I can just imagine the beauty of all those butterflies.
Wow, you have your work cut out for you in nurturing this process. I love following it and all the awesome photos that you have.
The released butterflies are so beautiful.
Blessings and hugs!
I agree, Debbie. You are doing so much, and passing your learning to us. :)
xoxo
Good job, you little butterfly whisperer! :)
xoxo
Where do you find them?
What is the advantage of keeping them inside?
I am thinking they survive vs. being lunch?
You're doing a fantastic job raising these butterflies Debbie. Their transition period is certainly a delicate one, I hadn't considered such things as the rain etc. Good for you :D) xx
I am impressed by your devotion to these caterpillars! The butterflies really are beautiful. And - wow - that storm!
Wow you do have your hands full, that was a nasty sky coming your way. Isn't that weird that they all go to the corners. So nice you have those flowers all ready for them to go to when they are released!
Debbie - you are amazing. What a wonderful gift for you, to watch the transformation, and what a gift you are giving to the world. It sounds overwhelming, but please don't stop!
These pictures are amazing and I love seeing them Debbie! I dont think I 've ever known ANYONE else who does this, it's so so interesting. Thanks for sharing this with us and for teaching us! Cant wait to see tomorrow's pictures, hope you can get some good ones!
And here you thought you were done raising kids! LOL! Very impressive and quite the big job from the sounds of it. The butterflies are beautiful!
Well, I think you are doing a wonderful job raising these butterflies, and I always enjoy your posts about it.
All the best Jan
Post a Comment