Q&A for How to Make a Caterpillar Habitat

Caterpillars prefer to eat and drink at night. Observe the size of the leaves every day and check for biting marks. If there are none, try different plants.

Yes, it may be sick. To check, take your caterpillar out and observe its legs. It should have pointy ones in the front and ones like suction-cups in the back. Touch the back ones. Are they sticky? If they are not, your caterpillar might be dying. A good thing to do at this point would be to let it outside in hopes that it will be better out there.

It's probably about to form a chrysalis, as caterpillars often sit for a while before they start spinning a chrysalis.

It's more likely that they are oleander aphids. These guys like to suck the life out of milkweed. You can kill them by adding 2 tablespoons of dish soap to 1 gallon of water and spraying the aphids directly. Rinse and repeat.

No, a shoe box isn't the best home for a caterpillar since it can be suffocating and dark.

They are not fighting, there are either chasing each other trying to mate, or they just got scared and were trying to make themselves bigger.

They are probably just settling in. If they continue not to eat, you should probably let them go, though.

It doesn't really matter, as long as it isn't cramped. Make sure the caterpillar won't escape, and it is well ventilated.

You might want to consider it, yes, depending on the type of caterpillar you have.

A shallow box will be sufficient for the larval stage of the caterpillar, as long a there is enough horizontal room. You may want to move it to a taller container once it is ready to pupate so the butterfly/moth will have enough room to extend its wings. If you are using leaves from the host plant you should try to change them daily, as they can dry out. Caterpillars prefer fresh leaves over old ones. You can also try taking cuttings (cutting the entire stalk off and putting it into some water). This way, the plant remains fresh for longer and you will only have to change it every couple of days. Just make sure the caterpillars cannot fall into the water or they could drown.

Sure!

Yes, but they will probably have different food sources, so you will have to put the necessary plants in for each caterpillar.

It's probably better to release that one into the wild. The enclosed space may be confusing for it, or the area is too hot.

It should have about three to four times its mature caterpillar size when in a chrysalis. It should also have close to 8-10 inches when extending its wings.

I wouldn't use paper. A mesh/screen pop-up enclosure will be your optimal cage.

I've heard they "purge" a large amount of green goo before forming a chrysalis, so yes, this is probably normal.

No, a cardboard box isn't a good home for a caterpillar. It can be suffocating and dark.

Yes, a live plant is the best food source for your caterpillar. Make sure it is the right species of plant for your caterpillar and that it's big enough for when your caterpillar grows, as it will have a surprisingly large appetite!

It depends on the species of caterpillar, but it's probably fine as long as it's ventilated enough that the caterpillar can breathe and there's no chance of its feet getting stuck in the holes.

No. They get all the water from the plants they eat.

Absolutely, yes. Do not try to touch it. Provided the paper towel is not literally soaked and would drown it in water, there is no point in moving it. I raise monarchs, and unless absolutely needed, I don't touch pupae.

They should each get their own space to eat, so no. They should have room to cocoon in. I would maybe put 8 only in there.

Add rotting fruits and have bright colors around the house. Also, plant flowers around.

You can’t really stop them from climbing the walls they actually need it. Put the moist paper towel in a corner because they need to have food and sticks and rocks everywhere else.