The caterpillars of "Arctia caja" moths, known in English as "woolly bears", appear mainly in spring in the North American regions. These charming and furry caterpillars can be raised indoors, and into adulthood, as part of an educational project for children, or simply for the pleasure of engaging in this type of breeding.
Steps
Step 1. Prepare a container for your caterpillars
- You can use a cardboard box with a removable lid. Cut "windows" on each side and cover them with cellophane, then make small ventilation holes in the cardboard so your caterpillars don't lack air.
- Alternatively, you can purchase a pre-made butterfly house at a garden store or online.
Step 2. Fill the container with seedlings
Caterpillars generally feed on many varieties of plants, but prefer more bitter herbs such as euphorbia.
Step 3. Catch your caterpillars by gently picking them up with a piece of cardboard
They will twist and "play dead"; it's a natural reaction, so don't worry.
Step 4. Carefully insert the caterpillars into the habitat you have arranged to house them
Place them on the seedlings carefully, and let them unwind on their own.
Step 5. Watch your caterpillars for the first signs of an impending metamorphosis; they will appear plump and lazy, and may change color
Step 6. Insert some twigs or sticks into the caterpillar habitat that they can attach to during the metamorphosis phase
Step 7. Once the cocoons hatch, provide food for the moths
Flowers or small pieces of chopped fruit will do just fine.
Step 8. Free the moths in your garden
Advice
- Make sure the caterpillars can breathe!
- If you can't find suitable seedlings for the habitat of your caterpillars, use lettuce, preferably the iceberg type. If you listen closely, you will hear them munching on lettuce.
- Make sure you water the seedlings and provide an adequate amount of sunlight.
- Replace seedlings that are consumed.
Warnings
- It is possible to touch the caterpillars after capturing them, the main thing is not to harm them (do not throw them in the air!).
- Do not touch newborn moths, you could damage their wings. If damaged, they could easily die or be paralyzed.
