For now, I have put 2 layers of bird netting over the fennel. Maybe the rain and wind won't be too much for the cats to handle, and hopefully the birds won't be able to get to them in the coming weeks. I'm just so excited about finding so many cats when I least expected it. I'm new to butterfly gardening, so please excuse my panicky first message. Now that I've settled down some, I'll do some research on the different stages. There are at least 3 or 4 different colorations that I found and they are ranging from 3/4" to 2".
Sherry

For now, I have put 2 layers of bird netting over the fennel. Maybe the rain and wind won't be too much for the cats to handle, and hopefully the birds won't be able to get to them in the coming weeks. I'm just so excited about finding so many cats when I least expected it. I'm new to butterfly gardening, so please excuse my panicky first message. Now that I've settled down some, I'll do some research on the different stages. There are at least 3 or 4 different colorations that I found and they are ranging from 3/4" to 2".
Sherry

Hi,

I am a newbie and have been collecting BST eggs on my fennel since July. I have raised them inside and so far have released 51. If I were you, I would bring them all inside and raise them. They eat a lot in their last instar, so be prepared to have enough food for them. It has been a joy for me to raise these beauties, and my cats are loving them too. I purchased butterfly pavilions from ShadyOaks Butterfly farm in Florida, but you can use almost any container to put them in, as long as they have enough space to hang when they eclose to dry their wings. Do not overcrowd them. The most I have put in one pavilion has been 14, but I could easily have put in close to 20 in each one with no problems.

If you are near a Whole Foods in Dallas, I would suggest you purchase some curly parsley and Dill, as well as the fennel they are eating now. Whole Foods does not spray their organic produce, and I have had no problems with mine eating it. Mine have gotten so fat and healthy. Mine have been eating all three and they like a variety, and these are the host plants for BST.

Good luck and keep us posted.

Betty

I hope this is way to change the subject so I can repost. I can make a trip to Whole Foods if necessary. I'm going to check Central Market first to see if they have organic parsley, etc. I had a lot growing all summer until it suddenly died.
Without a doubt, my 3 fennel plants are not enough for all the cats I found. I think I have instars 2-5, but when the rain quits, I'm going to look for some 1s. I'll post a pic or 2 later this afternoon. Gotta check on those butterfly pavilions you mentioned.
Thanks again. Sherry

Grown BSTs do eat a lot. I had about 4 grown ones eat a whole parsley plant last night. Last year I had to go buy parsley from whole foods to end the season. Also, Ike hit up here over the weekend and I only had 10 cats out in the weather that I brought in (Monarchs). My BSTs are all on potted plants under my patio. Two of the 10 Monarchs were found after most of the rain and were okay. Thankfully it washed the aphids away!!!!! One of my milkweeds was suffering bad from them. Just wanted to add my two cents. I'm sorry for anyone who suffered from Ike. It has flooded half of my hometown in LA, the same town that Gustav had a direct hit to... Houma (Terrebonne Parish).

Well, Ike didn't deliver (to DFW) much more than a slow steady rain for a few hours and less wind that we get on a typical June day, so my cats fared well. At least most of them. You can imagine my horror yesterday when I saw a wasp attack an instar 2 or 3...went right after his head. I went straight to the store for regular netting to put over the bird netting to keep them out. Unfortunately, it blew off and several cats were killed it seems. But there are still 30 or 40. I bought a 10 gallon aquarium with a lid to accomodate reptiles and other critters. Now I just have to research how to set it up for raising cats. About how many cats can I put in there?
My thoughts and prayers are for all those who suffered loss and/or displacement due to IKE. Best wishes.
Sherry