how can you tell if your caterpillar

[8babycaterpillars]

NOt sure but I have this baby caterpillar was sharing a leaf
and well this morning it looks like poop or something on its back and not sure how it happen??? Do they bite each other now that they are like 1/2 in and the one was a bit smaller then the other??? any suggestions on what to do...This is my first time rearing caterpillars


8babycaterpillars

[Jim]

Hi! You might get more of a response if you post more details or try to explain what you are seeing a little more clearly...I will tell you this though - as long as you have plenty of milkweed and space available your caterpillars shouldn't be trying to munch on each other

- How many caterpillars do you have? I'm guessing eight ...
- How long have you had them?
- What are you rearing them in?
- Where are you rearing them?
- What kind of milkweed are you feeding them? Is it clear they are eating it?

[8babycaterpillars]

I had eight, but lost 3, two from not eating they just stop and the other
not sure but she/he had fliud leaking and it was around the others 5 were molting so it makes me wonder if it didnt molt good or the other caterpillar bit it. They all got seperate leaves so hopefully they dont bite.

I had em still friday night.

In a clean aqurim((sp)).

In my living room of the house...in not direct sunlight cause it gets too warm...fear of them exposing.

Im feeding em the milk weed that I found baby eggs on and I know thats the type they eat

thanks for the advice

8babycaterpillars

[pupapenny]

There are several thing that could be wrong. One is parasites do lay eggs in them and they died when the parasites hatch. Another is that some do not make it through instars for what ever reason. Also don't mix ones of different sizes. The big ones eat everything in their path including smaller cats, aphids etc.

Penny

[monarchlady]

Good luck with your 'babies'. I keep each one separate - I get the small 'baby cake' containers from my local grocery store - turn them upsidedown and punch a few holes in flat top - each caterpillar gets its own food (leaf) and I put a sturdy T-shaped twig in so that when the time comes they can do their chrysalis thing. Cleaning is essential - I clean every day- usually a new leaf every other day - I keep a journal on each one (because I like to) - When they hatch, I release them and they start to lay eggs on the milkweed in my butterfly garden - so the cycle continues - Have fun and enjoy this wonderful magic creature!