It's been a super hot summer here at the Jersey Shore
and I have not been out as much as I would like with the camera.
But that's o.k.,
I love being at home and I have plenty of work and hobbies to keep me busy.
I am taking good care of my caterpillars, I have about 12 right now,
most in the Chrysalis form the others are eating me out of "house and dill",
they will form into Chrysalis soon.
You can't believe how much dill these little guys eat.
The first new eggs from this season grew to be caterpillars, then formed a chrysalis, and emerged.
The second group will emerge into a butterfly in approximately 2 - 3 weeks.
All of the chrysalis from last fall emerged successfully this spring.
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If even more come, they will probably stay in the Chrysalis form all winter,
and emerge in the spring of 2026.
- this is a boy, they have more yellow -
This is such a fun hobby and has brought so much joy into my life...
and maybe I am saving these beautiful butterflies, one butterfly at a time.
I have been doing this for years...
I have shared many posts on my experiences, if you are interested they can be found
If you search "Raising Caterpillars or Raising Butterflies, a lot more posts will come up.
Is a great source for raising butterflies ever if you are a beginner and would like to get started.
Before I started, I read a few butterfly specific books, searched the web
and read the article highlighted above.
Sharing today's images with Eileen at
Viewing Nature With Eileen for Saturdays Critters
16 comments:
I bought a dill plant this year and it has taken over the herb patch in the garden. Wish I could provide some to you. I’ll think of you every time I’m around it.
Where does one even find a caterpillar? I have not seen one since we moved here. Perhaps we are in a caterpillar dead zone? I would love to try what you are doing someday.
Love! Love! Love these pics, Debbie. Reminds me of when I used to do that. It is a great feeling to release this beauties into the sky!
This really is amazing. I've never known anyone that did this and you are so smart and take such good care. They all look very well fed and taken care of. And the results...oh my! Beautiful!
I love how you are sharing this hobby that you love.
The caterpillars are cute and the butterflies are lovely.
Thank you for linking up and sharing your critter post. Take care, have a great weekend. PS, thanks for leaving me a comment.
Wonderful photography of the caterpillars and butterflies ~ such a unique hobby ~ Thanks for commenting on my blog, hugs,
an artist reflects
I've always enjoyed watching your caterpillars and butterflies.
Your photos are always so very crystal clear amazing! These are so beautiful.
I am seeing few butterflies this year. And no caterpillars. Your efforts to help them along are wonderful.
Great photographs of the caterpillars and butterflies.
Sending good wishes for a happy weekend.
All the best Jan
Debbie, your photography is absolutely amazing and captivating! Beautiful photos, dear friend! And I haven't seen a caterpillar in a long time...being in a big city like Montreal you don't get to see them often, so I really appreciate you sharing the beauty around you!
I love what you are doing with the caterpillars. Fantastic!
We did raise caterpillars that eventually turned into swallowtails and went on their way, but we only did it one time in VA. The caterpillars are definitely voracious eaters a d I wondered if you grow your own dill and parsley which ours ate.
The photos are beautiful, and it's so neat to follow their journey.
It is so fascinating how butterflies emerge. The caterpillar in itself is beautiful with the green and black. A friend raises caterpillars too and it was the first time I was introduced to such a hobby. They do really seem to enjoy that dill.
Hi Debbie :)
Oh how beautiful the caterpillars and butterflies are, and your photos are Top Notch I never see any caterpillars, I'm probably looking in the wrong places.I try to get a boo
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