Butterfly Nursery

You’ve heard me mention about our Butterfly Nursery, but I don’t think I’ve ever shown you any pictures to illustrate was is actually being done until now.

Since most Monarchs are off migrating, the majority of the Butterflies we have are the Swallowtails.  Their eggs are really tiny, and they tend to be born in groups.  They also apparently tend to eat in groups as well.

Here’s how we run our nursery for them (Pipevines and Polydamas).

1. Monitor the eggs until the hatch

2. Once Eggs hatch, cut the string of leaves they are on and bring them inside

3. Put the string of leaves in that green florist foam that absorbs water

4. Create metal climbing structures for Chrysalis formation

5. Place the Caterpillars in the new enclosure.

6. Change food and clean frass daily

Baby Swallowtails Feeding on Pipevine

Swallowtail Housing 1

Swallowtail Housing 2

Completed Swallowtail Chrysalis

Related posts:

1. Pipevine Swallowtail Eggs
2. Eastern Black Swallowtail Caterpillars Up Close
3. Eastern Black Swallowtail Hatchings
4. You Just Never Know…
5. Mystery Caterpillar