Things You'll Need
- Jar or tank with a netting for lid
- Spray mister
- Florist tube
Instructions
Clean a small fish tank or one-gallon jar and allow it to air dry. Place some netting or screening over the top of the tank or jar and hold it fast with a rubber band or tape. Do not use a jar with a top with holes punched in it as the sharp metal could slice the caterpillar.
Place the branch with the caterpillar into the jar. Add several other sticks to the jar as well, so that your caterpillar has places to explore and can find a suitable stick on which to pupate. Take special note of the plant on which the caterpillar is living and feeding.
Remember the plant you got the caterpillar from so you can come back for fresh leaves to feed the caterpillar, this will be the only plant it will eat. It is important to place fresh cuttings in the jar every day. Remove any old or uneaten leaves. Keep the leaves fresh by placing them in a florist tube.
Mist the jar or aquarium with water from a spray bottle every few days so it can drink the water droplets. Do not place a saucer of water in the jar or your caterpillar could fall in and drown.
Monitor your pet daily making sure that all the eaten leaves are replaced with fresh new ones and there is enough water. Also check to make sure other bugs have not gotten into the jar, spiders can eat caterpillars. Make sure the jar does not become moldy from the humid environment.
Discontinue providing food and water once your caterpillar forms its cocoon. Just watch for a butterfly to emerge. Usually this takes two to three weeks. Then set it free. Butterflies usually can't live very long in captivity.