Good evening. I have my 1st 6 pipevine caterpillars, probably 2nd instar and I have them in a net rearing container outside. I read that the caterpillars cannot eat older leaves on the pipevine? Is that true? Also do they need fresh leaves daily or if I leave stems in floral tubes would they last a couple of days? It has been hot and humid here in Dayton, Ohio. I'm in Zone 6. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

The early caterpillars would probably have a hard time eating those old, tough pipevine leaves, which is why females will only lay eggs on new growth. I've fed old leaves to late instar caterpillars when I ran out of young leaves, but I let them soak in water for several hours first to soften them up. You can leave them in floral tubes for as long as they look fresh, which varies. Check the amount of water in the floral tubes regularly if you use older leaves, because they really soak up the water quickly.

Good luck!

Sherry

Thanks! Never thought of soaking the older leaves in water 1st for the older caterpillars. Good idea! Do you usually raise the PVS cats indoors in a plastic container like the Zebras, or outside in a netted cage? I know the PVS cats like to stay in a group- sooo cute!

Does anyone know of a substitute for the pipevine. I had an influx of babies and they ate all of the pipevine and i cannot find any for sale.

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