WOW! I am so glad that I found this forum! I live in Augusta, GA and visited my Dad in Clay Co, AL this past week. We were looking at his tomato plants and found 2 tomato worms, which had the parasitic cocoons on them. I picked the worms off the plants and brushed the cocoons off of them. Dad wanted to squish them, but I said that I was going to take them home and raise them and teach our 4 year old son about metamorphosis. I wasn't sure about how to go about keeping them, UNTIL I found this forum! We cut alot of leaves and stalks for them to chew on until I can get a plant for them to live on. They are about 2 inches long, and fat. I had no idea that they bury themselves in dirt to go into their pupa state. SO again I am glad I started researching and found this forum. I was kinda bummed that we won't be able to watch them form cocoons but I am happy to know that they will turn into these particular moths, which I didn't know what they turned into before. So with that, I am wondering how will I know when they will go into the dirt, I am planning on putting them in the fridge while they are in the dirt so they won't come out to early and die. My only other issue is going to be we are moving in Missouri in late March early April and I am wondering if they will survive the move? Is there anything I should do to protect them during the move? When should I expect them to be ready to make their grand appearance? This is the 1st time ever doing this.So an extra pointers are welcome! ALSO I had read that some of you had the caterpillars with the parasites on them and you left them alone. Do you think mine will be OK since I took them off? Thanks! Kim

I've never raised caterpillars that I bought from a store, and I'm not familiar with bought food. My caterpillars all eat leaves. Sorry! Sherry

They are very cool....one of my favorite Owls. We have a lot of them here in and around my area. I hear them more often in late spring...but occasionally this time of year too. Maybe they will nest near or on your property?? We have had Barn Owls nest here quite often....Talk about weird sounds...a lot of hissing and high pitch sounds from them. They have a face only a mother could love...but they sure keep our field mouse population in check. We hoot back and usually get an answer....Try it...They might actually talk back when tyhey hear you hoot... Cheers!

Thanks, Glenda--sure appreciate it. We left home at 8 this a.m. and didn't get home until 6:30. It was a long day--mostly waiting. I did fine--the picc line is my new BFF. Now I don't have another appointment until I start radiation Aug. 1. I don't want to think about doctors, sickness or anything but everyday stuff for the next week. What a luxury it will be. Y'all ate really well--but, then, you always have great meals. Almost for got. Stopped at Wendy's. I had a junior cheeseburger and Harry got the new pretzel bun burger and liked it a lot--especially the bun. Thanks--sorry I forgot who mentioned it earlier--but thanks for the tip.