the dowel, a nectar question and the feeding tray lids

[maria]

We are very excited that our monarch larvae arrived today!

We are wondering about the dowel though. What is it for?

Also, and more pressing, can Glacier VitaminWater be used for the nectar or is Gatoraid best?

Lastly, we noticed in all of the photos of the rearing chambers the vitamin/pill boxes have one lid closed over the food. How many feeding/pill box openings should we fill and should we keep some of them closed. If so, how many should be opened at any given time and how many closed?

Forgive us if we are complicating things, not trying to do so. Really. Just want to get this right.

Thank you not only for answers but a huge thank you for the terrific opportunity to participate in this amazing experience!

Maria

[maria]

Well, I apologize as after closer reading of the material available I found the use of the dowel.

[texas butterfly]

What is the dowel used for?

[nelsondr]

I was nervous about asking (only because I also didn't want to complicate things!!). I thinkI've read carefully, yet I STILL don't see the point of the dowel. And I also still wonder about the food... do I fill chambers of a pill box and only open some to prevent drying out? Or is it better to fill one at a time? Just not clear - and ditto - just want to get it right!

[texas butterfly]

Still didn't find information on what the dowel is used for.

If anyone knows, please post answer here.

Also, in question to Glacier Water, I have never heard of it being used as a butterfly nectar.

I've heard Gatorade mentioned several times as a nectar source.

For Plan B: The only mention in Monarch Watch in space is Gatorade so that is what we are using. Seems simple. Doesn't seem that butterflies will be fed Gatorade in space from what I'm reading. See the Painted Lady "Butterflies in Space" section 5 for more information. This is located at the Monarchs in Space link.

T. Butterfly

[nelsondr]

The dowel is for experiments about caterpillar behavior - see p. 2 in the 11-page Monarchs in Space Guide. Took me awhile to find it!

[texas butterfly]

thanks!!!!

[maria]

I apologize that I did not get back to reply about the location of the info. on the dowel, but I thankfully see that someone directed you to the location of the info.