Field Notes

I've learned a thing or two since I began raising Monarch butterflies. For instance, my containers have changed. I began with butterfly houses, tried out mason jars, made my own containers from plastic food storage boxes, and vases. After losing so many caterpillars from viruses I have learned to separate them and keep their spaces sanitized. I no longer trust Butterfly Pavilions, because too many caterpillars in one nursery invite viruses. When one becomes infected, all of them die.

Here is what I discovered works best.

Critter Cage

This critter cage is a good environment for growing caterpillars. You can easily reach into it to change the leaves and clean out debris. It has enough room for the emerging butterfly to dry its wings and is easy for the butterfly to fly out of.

Bug House

This container is cute, but difficult to manage. It is designed for small hands, so it isn't easy for me to reach into the cage to clean it and change the leaves. It doesn't give the emerging butterfly much space to exercise its wings. And it is difficult to release the butterfly.

Plastic Containers

I made these from plastic storage containers. I cut out the inner part of the lid and added a piece of screen for the top. It is easy to clean and add new leaves. I have to be very careful when the caterpillar attaches to the top and spins its cocoon. It is easy to drop it. This is the best for releasing the butterfly

Bug Capture Cage

The newest addition to my caterpillar nursery is the Bug Capture Cage. It came unassembled and seems flimsy. However, the caterpillar had lots of air and room. It was easy to clean and change the leaves. The caterpillar was able to attach to the top, spin its cocoon, and had room to exercise its wings. Release was easy

View of My Nursery

My daughter built these shelves for me on our three-season porch. There is good airflow, natural daylight and space for the nursery cages/containers.

I love the table. It is a perfect workspace!

On the shelves below the table, I keep a container of Clorox water for sanitizing the leaves, the florists tubes for keeping the leaves fresh, and a waste receptacle for the debris and old leaves.