escaped larva

[my monarchs]

Compared to most of you, I'm an absolute novice. I am amazed at the great success some of you have. I learned about monarch rearing from a zoologist/conservationist friend from my university days. If I hatch three in a season I am doing well. Mind you, I've become somewhat disabled due to a car accident a few years ago, and can only harvest eggs from areas that are easily accessible -- no longer can I hike through the fields like I used to.

But this year I keep having bad luck. As soon as one of my caterpillars start getting ansy -- you know how they get before they become "j"'s -- it manages to escape! The first time it happened I was all upset for days. Poor thing. I have built a better, larger, container, and now a second one escaped. Man!

I am impressed by your amazing system, John Beaulieu (see his post, "resleasing monarchs" and will ask my husband next summer to make me something similar. For now, I will use duct tape to re-attach the screen and hope that it is secure!

[sbowman]

Another type of cage you might try is a mesh laundry hamper that has a top. Ikea has them - they are collapsible, mesh & cost under $20.00 each. I turn them upside down, put a plant or 2 or 4 in them, then let the caterpillars have a good time. They have plenty of room to roam, but not to get out. The top (or bottom of mine) has a rim, and when I need to get in it, I just raise the entire thing from one side and can get to anything I need. You can order them from online from Ikea. I also tried plain mesh ones from Walmart - had no top, and I had to stuff kleenex in the corners that didn't meet with the table I had them on so they wouldn't escape. Just some other options without building something. Good luck.
Sherry