Caterpillar diary

One of the things I do to try and understand the natural world is to keep caterpillars, (I do release them when they turn into butterflies, and each butterfly tells a unique story of eating, turning into a pupa, and then turning into a butterfly, (if they are lucky to survive*!).

This page is the notes on my caterpillars, new discoveries and, well, eating-they eat a lot! I am still learning how to look after them. It has been an interesting learning curve, the deceased would have died anyway as the weather was vile.

Sunday 10 Jan 2016:
-Bought caterpillar habitat

Friday 15 Jan 2016:
-Wrote post on it.

Saturday, 16 Jan 2016:
-Found first caterpillar on rabbit hutch. A brimstone.
-Put in plastic tub for safe keeping.
-Tested for food plant, is winter flowering clematis.
-Wrote post on it.

Sunday, 17 Jan 2016:
-Put in Butterfly habitat.

Wednesday 20 Jan 2016
-Wrote post update on it.

Saturday 23 Jan 2016
-Caterpillar not moving. Probably not big enough to pupate, so moved back to original tub.

Sunday 24 Jan 2016
-Caterpillar found with liquid around it, clinging on to side of tub.
-Think caterpillar is pupating or dead.

Monday 25 Jan 2016
-Caterpillar shrunk and changing shape
-Caterpillar firmly attached
-Think caterpillar is pupating

Photos:

The brimstone caterpillar

Inside the habitat

The habitat outdoors

*My first attempt didn't end well... See here