Q&A for How to Keep Wild Caterpillars As Pets

Yes, but make sure that the soil is clean.

Caterpillars make cocoons by secreting and weaving a sticky, silk-like material which then hardens into a cocoon.

It really depends on the species, some of them eat certain kinds of leaves, while others feed on leaf litter and debris.

You can set up twigs and branches for him or her to climb on.

Yes, milkweed is found in Canada. However, it is not usually found growing in the wild. If you want to plant milkweed, order some seeds or buy a pre-grown plant that you can put outside.

It depends on the type of ant. If it is a fire, green-head or some other dangerous ant, the caterpillar may not survive the bite. But if it is a harmless ant, they do have a chance at surviving.

Mixing species, especially when you do not know what they are, is never a good idea.

Caterpillars with visible spines and fuzzy hair should be avoided as they are likely poisonous. If these spiny caterpillars are also very brightly colored, then they should definitely not be touched, as they are most definitely poisonous.

You could try typing the description of the caterpillar into a web browser and search trough the image results until you find a similar picture. As for food, most caterpillars eat leaves and fruits, but if you want to figure out what the caterpillar you have likes the most, after finding out it's species, search for what it eats.

All living things die. Caterpillars are no exception. Just accept that it is dead and consider caring for another one.

Yes! Caterpillars are very good and interesting school pets, especially when they start forming a cocoon.

Yes, but be sure that the fabric is tight, as your caterpillar might find a tiny hole to escape from.

Yes, caterpillars will eat cucumber. But if you are feeding it cucumber, be sure to feed it other things as well, as it cannot get everything it needs from only cucumbers.

All insects get burned if touched or brought very close to an open flame or if left in an extremely hot area with no escape for too long.

It is best to let the butterfly out, because caterpillars are only short term pets and many people have trouble trying to get grown up butterflies to live. But you can go out and raise another caterpillar.

Both sexes have a dark line down their backs. The males' undeveloped testes are visible as yellow globes beneath the skin on either side of this line between the middle and tail end of the body. The older the caterpillar is, the more visible the testes.

This is normal. He is just making a cocoon. Try not to disturb him.

1. Yes, but only if kept securely in a container that it is unable to escape from (with breathing holes). 2. No, I wouldn't, as many caterpillars are venomous and are able to sting you and injure you. 3. You will find it hard to find one in March, but you can try!