Caterpillar Formula...?

Question

How can I prepare a lab/home made regime or formula for raising butterfly caterpillars? I'm studying Zeuzera pyrina (Leopard moth) and I need to prepare such a medium...

Answer 1

Newly hatched caterpillars are very tiny and should be handled using a toothpick. Many species will eat their eggshell after hatching and most will begin wandering around. Hatchlings should be transferred to a small airtight container to limit wandering, prevent dehydration and keep the host plant leaves from drying out too fast. If drops of condensation occur, remove the lid until they evaporate. Host plant leaves can be cut into small strips to give the caterpillars more edges to chew on. Don't mist hatchlings, they could drown. Chlorinated water will kill hatchlings in seconds. Caterpillars normally get all the moisture they need from the leaves they eat, so additional watering shouldn't be necessary. If your caterpillars do become dehydrated, lightly misting their leaves with distilled or rainwater will help.

Butterflies require less sugar than there is in commercial hummingbird nectar mix, but it has also been argued that hummingbirds and butterflies feed from the same nectar sources in the wild. The most common formula seems to be 1 part sugar to 4 parts water. One tablespoon of sugar mixed with four tablespoons of water is a typical batch. Gatorade has also been recommended. Soak a small sponge with the liquid or place a few drops on a tabletop. Avoid large puddles; you don't want the butterfly's wings to get wet and sticky. Hold the butterfly by the upper wing tips and unroll the feeding tube with a toothpick, placing the tip in the mix.

Butterflies are surprisingly cooperative once they get a taste and will often sit and drink unrestrained until they've had their fill.

For General Instructions for Hand-Raising Butterflies & Moths visit:

http://faq.gardenweb.com/faq/lists/butte...