Congratulations! It really IS exciting!

Sherry

I also found a monarch cat!

Any tips for a newby? I also want to buy a butterfly cage, any you guys would recommend? Also, can the swallowtail go in with the monarchs?

I like the sound of this one with a side zipper: http://www.amazon.com/Butterfly-Cage-Foot-Tall-Habitat/dp/B00H2A4X68/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1406751526&sr=8-3&keywords=butterfly+cage

Any suggestions for a newbie?

I've used that type in the past and really didn't like it. Mine was very thin and flimsy, so it wasn't strong enough to hold a left overs container filled with water, plus, since it hangs, the left overs container could easily spill water if bumped. I don't know how strong this particular version of it is, but, based on the price, I doubt it's any different from the one I used. I tried using water picks, but when I tried to secure them to the very thin, mesh sides, it made a mess. Also, it's hard to keep paper towels straight at the bottom of it, to catch frass.

The type cage I've used for years is a heavy duty, zippered mesh covering over a PVC frame. It's actually intended for housing reptiles, but it works great for raising caterpillars. I've just ordered two replacement covers, because it's the mesh covers (the zippers) that eventually go bad. Most of mine are the 38-gallon size, but you could start with the small 22-gallon size, since it's less expensive, and you could see how you like raising caterpillars in one.

I've given you a link to my cage source.

Sherry

Here is a link that might be useful: Reptariums from LLLReptile

Thanks! Is it OK to keep the swallowtail with the monarch cats? I would wait until they got bigger.

Yes, I've mixed species many times with no problems, just don't put little caterpillars with big ones. They might accidentally get eaten.

Sherry