I've always heard that cedar is wrong (for the reason you pointed out) but have no proof to back it up. My boxes have been made out of pine. That said, I don't remember whether a butterfly has ever used one of mine. I haven't had them out since around 2002.

Make sure you have an easy way to clean them since spiders tend to like them.

KC

First question has to be a cage for what use?

KC took it (because of the cedar probably) as meaning a so called butterfly house or winter hibernation shelter that many new gardeners put up but experienced lepidopterists don't bother with. Realistically leps won't use them, or so seldom that they are no more than another focal point in your garden's aesthetics maybe.

Shhh. Please don't say that too loudly. The hundred or so monarchs I raised in a cage last summer never knew that it was nasty ole cedar they preferred to attach to than the screen wire mesh.

Lost one cat last summer raising them this cage. Wouldn't eat.

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randy

Randy,

D. plexippus will pupate on anything, so that doesn't mean much. LOL

Pipes, rocks, and chain link fences are all very popular places for them to pupate in Hawaii. But the most fun is the chain link fences where the chrysalus hang one to a "diamond" like Christmas ornaments (and often a very long ways from any Crown Flower plants). Collecting up to several hundred at a time off a single fence within reasonable proximity to LFP is possible.

Logically cedar would naturally inhibit an ovipositing female and larval feeding, but obviously in the small quantity cedar was used on your cage it made no difference.

Larry hit it on the head. When I see "cedar" and "butterfly," I think of the butterfly houses for overwintering. People have given me some cutesy ones over the years and I used to have them mounted on my garage.

I've never had a butterfly box (and if I did, I'd probably call it a caterpillar box). I started with coffee cans (still use them if I have only a few monarchs or BST). Graduated to aquariums. Had to add cheapie Glad containers last year when the ZST were not liking the aquarium.

That said, I can see where Randy's box would be handy for raising lots of monarchs. I usually transfer butterfly chrysalises to sticks but having a fixed "roof" would eliminate the need. Might have to seriously think about building me a small one this year for my RA and QM. I left them mostly on their own last year and the wasps just tore them up so I was thinking about how to fit more of them into my allotted space.

Randy, what is the floor made from? I cannot tell what is under the paper.

KC

Ladobe,

That would be something to see.

KC

The "cage" (I don't do boxes) is double walled on all 6 sides. Second photo was before I put the door on.

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randy

The cage is for raising caterpillars.

I gave my last cage to my close friend who was babysitting my leps while I was at the beach last summer. She has been ogling my cage for years.

Randy- Have you raised other butterflies than Monarchs in the cedar cage?

The "butterfly box" title was confusing, but frecklejuice is a long-time forum member, even back to the days of the stuart_s butterfly "house", pictured in the FAQs to debunk such structures.

For those who have not seen it or want to laugh again, check it out: FAQ Butterfly House

Just monarchs. Late spring into the summer I use it to propagate tropical seed. Live in a rural setting where mice can be a little destructive with expensive seed.

The only cedar inside the cage where it's not covered with wire is the front part of the enclosure.

randy