Help Needed With Newest Caterpillar

[Gwynne]

My newest caterpillar is the tiniest one I have ever had. He climbed up to the top of his mesh cage and has been there for over 12 hours, maybe more, not eating. Is he molting in which case I shouldnt disturb him? Or should I get him to come down to the leaves? Please help quickly! Thanks!

[dzyg]

Just leave him, he is probably going to be shedding his skin. They do sit for a long time when doing this. You shouldn't disturb them when they are doing this. He will go back down and eat again when he is finished.

Donna

[Gwynne]

I hope I didnt hurt the little fellow. I did try to get him to move, and he moved part of his body, but I did not force him to detach himself. He is so tiny and hasnt eaten in so long. But I will leave him alone to shed his skin.

[psi_chemie]

Yep, I had this happen too. They hold on pretty good and it feels like you're tearing but I've never had one die, even after sitting in one spot for many hours at a time.

[Gwynne]

It has been about 24 hours now, maybe more, and he is just sitting there on top of his cage. Do I just leave him? He is definately alive as he held on while I gently tried to ease him down and I didnt want to force him down and hurt him. But I am concerned that it has been so long and am wondering if that is normal. This is the first time I have found such a small caterpillar.

[Gwynne]

I am very concerned about this caterpillar. I dont think he has eaten in two days. I dont know if I have ever seen him eat, to be honest. He was still at the top of the cage yesterday night and I could see he molted. I thought he was done molting and nudged him a bit till he released his grip then I put him on a fresh leaf. The only thing he has done since then was walk off the leaf. I am afraid he wasnt done molting and I harmed him! I put him on my hand and got him to cling to the mesh at the top of the cage again. I have never had such a small caterpillar and dont know much about the shedding process. I am afraid I have really hurt the little guy. Is there anything I can do at this point? Is his behavior normal?