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Butterfly Garden

Gulf Frit caterpillars, question

14 years ago

In my Gulf Frit container several of the caterpillars keep hanging out on the paper towel lid. One of them I have relocated several times. They are younger caterpillars, not ready to pupate. I'm a little worried they might not be getting enough oxygen. I tried to poke a few teeny tiny holes in the paper towel, but a few of the caterpillars are so small, the holes can't be very big or they will escape.

Nervous Mom

Lisa

:)

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Comments (7)

susanlynne48
14 years ago
Lisa, they may be preparing to molt, in which case they do tend to wander away from food and they stay immobilized for several hours (up to 24 or more sometimes). It is best not to bother them during this period of time. Don't worry, they will wander back onto food when they are ready to eat.
Lisa_H OK
Original Author
14 years ago
Thanks Susan!

By the way, I still can't count all the BST you sent, but my last count was pretty close to 20!!! :) I have the cage all set up. The neighbors are excited!

Lisa
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That's OK, Lisa. I figure they'll make it up here eventually. Watched a Variegated Frit laying eggs today. And, I've released over a hundred Monarchs in the last two weeks. So I'm staying busy. Also have Spicebush chrysalides, Gorgone caterpillars, Goatweed Leafwing cats, Black Swallowtails, and Pipevines out the wazoo! And I forgot, a Cloudless Sulphur chrysalis! The garden is staying busy. Today the butts and the hummers were chasing each other, so I enjoyed watching them. Sandy
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susanlynne48
14 years ago
Yeah!! I still plan to dig you some False Nettle for the Red Admirals, and I will try to save you seed of Senna bicapsularis and S. hebecarpa (annual, reseeding, and perennial, respectively) for the Sulphurs. I have Sleepy Orange eggs! Yippee!!
Lisa_H OK
Original Author
14 years ago
Susan, thank you! You have been so kind to me.

Here's a photo I got today...

{{gwi:521523}}
susanlynne48
14 years ago
Wow, cool pic, Lisa! R u having fun? I found Sleepy Orange egge and a cat this morning. Gotta get you some Cassia plants, too!!
Lisa_H OK
Original Author
14 years ago
I'm having tons of fun! All my school teacher friends want to borrow my caterpillars. You don't give butterfly talks, do you?

Lisa
susanlynne48
14 years ago
No, but we might persuade Sandy to do one this fall or next spring. She has a lot of the materials, etc., that I don't have. That requires much more organization than I am capable of mustering, LOL!

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