Since it's already made a cocoon you can leave it exposed, without any dirt or leaves around it. It's only when you raise the caterpillars that you need about 4" of soil, etc., for them to bury in to form their cocoon. Or, you can use shredded paper towels. I've done this several times now, and it works great. They just make this little "tomb" and form their cocoon inside. Afterwards, I just open the tomb and put them back in the container without paper towels, and put some sticks in the container for them to climb on. Susan

Looks like larvae of a potters wasp. Cool! Their little 'pots' come a a wide range of colors and shapes and configurations. The adult wasp will deposit one egg per little pot. Usually, paralyzed caterpillars are stuffed inside for the larvae to feed on while in development. Here is a link that might be useful: Check this out.

I sent an email to the nursery that i brought it from and this is what they responded with- Hello! That is a serissa, most likely the foetida species. Thanks for coming to The Good Earth! Please let us know if you have other questions and have a wonderful day! When i looked that up, i still did not find a plant that looks exactly like the one i have with the wavy-like leaves.

Thank you! Cylindropuntia leptocallis seems more like my memory of it. I have a better picture of it somewhere. And sedum nuttallianum popped up in searches for Enchanted Rock. :)