How to Transfer Butterfly Larvae to a Habitat

Butterfly larvae are called caterpillars and many species are simple to raise in captivity. All they require is food in the form of leaves from their host plant. If you've found a caterpillar and want to try raising it yourself, you'll need to transfer the caterpillar from its host plant into its new home in your butterfly habitat.

Things You'll Need

  • Garden clippers
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Instructions

    • 1

      Set up your butterfly habitat. If you are using a commercial habitat, follow the manufacturer's instructions. If you are making your own, make sure it meets the needs of the butterfly species you are planning to raise.

    • 2

      Pick the leaf or branch that the caterpillar is resting on. If the branch is especially tough, use a pair of garden clippers to trim it off. Try not to touch the caterpillar, as you may squash it by accident. Some caterpillars have hairs that can irritate bare skin.

    • 3

      Place the branch or leaf into the habitat with the caterpillar still on it. The caterpillar will eventually crawl onto the new leaves you have placed in the habitat.