Hi

It is a lot of fun raising caterpillars. You can go and buy a plastic cage at petco or petsmart or other local pet supply store. then depending on the species you can raise them by just putting host plant into the cage and the caterpillars with it. Or you can also put a sleeve over them and that will keep them protected. But I suggest that you try raising them. I have raised many caterpillars and you might not do well but keep trying it is one of the most rewarding things you can do.

Jacob

What kind of sleeve are you talking about? If I were to put them in a plastic cage, do I just take a clipping off the host plant or do I need to put a live plant in the plastic cage?

Hi

Both will work. For me I use both depending on the species. For most species I put clippings in but for species that are in the Limenitis that make perches a little caterpillars use potted. It is really up to how you want to do it. http://www.raisingbutterflies.org/ This is a great website for info on raising butterflies and they different cages you can use.

Jacob

Birds got the butterflies. I was photographing a beautiful Swallowtail when out of nowhere, a bluejay flew down and grabbed it. I was so stunned, I dropped my camera!

Raising them in containers will not stop that. The anoles might take the little caterpillars but don't go after the butterflies. Only birds go after them.

Best thing to do is plant some 'host' plants and hope your caterpillars lay eggs on them. They will lay many eggs and some will make it. Or you could then collect the eggs and raise those in a cage. Once they become butterflies, there is nothing you can do to protect them...sadly.

Jane

Here's a link to the thread that shows the laundry hamper setup