To learn more about the types of butterflies and caterpillars that reside in your area, either visit your state’s official website, go to a forestry and wildlife conservation website or office, or borrow some butterfly books from your local library. There are about 20,000 different species of butterflies in the world, and about 725 different species in North America. If you live in the U. S. it’s likely that there are about 100 butterfly species near you — even more if you live closer to Mexico. [1] X Research source
Milkweed thrives in dryer climates across the U. S. and is a common host for Monarch butterflies. Spicebush thrives in moist woods and marshes, and commonly hosts the Spicebush Swallowtail. Paw-Paw trees grow in moist places across Ohio and most of the Eastern U. S. , and commonly host the Zebra Swallowtail. [3] X Research source Parsley, dill and fennel can grow in the wild but you’re more likely to find them planted in a butterfly aficionado’s garden. These herbs commonly attract the Black Swallowtail. Walnut and Sweet Gum trees host the Luna Moth. Several types of walnut trees grow across the U. S. They thrive in deep, fertile soils that are protected from cold air and water-logging. [4] X Research source Sweet Gum trees thrive in deep, moist bottomland and full sun. [5] X Research source Black Cherry trees host the Cecropia Moth, the Viceroy, and the Red-Spotted Purple butterfly. They grow across North America on various types of soils, but thrive in cool, moist and temperate locations. [6] X Research source
You can narrow down which type of caterpillar you’ve found by considering the host plant. For example, if you find a caterpillar on a Milkweed leaf, it’s likely a Monarch. The next step in figuring out which type of caterpillar you’ve found is to consider its appearance. As an example, Monarch caterpillars are striped yellow-green, white, and black, and look kind of thick and chubby. It’s a good idea to consult a book or website if you’re unsure of which type of caterpillar you’re looking at. Some websites even help you figure out which caterpillar you’ve found using checkboxes. [7] X Research source
Monarch butterfly eggs are laid and hatched in March and April; it takes the caterpillar about 2 weeks to be fully grown, after which it will attach itself to a stem or leaf and begin its metamorphosis into a butterfly. [8] X Research source Cecropia and Polyphemus moths lay eggs in late May and June. Their eggs hatch within 1 to 2 weeks, and then the caterpillars spend the summer eating and growing, making their cocoons in August or September. They spend the winter in cocoons and emerge in late May or June as butterflies to lay eggs and start the cycle once more. [9] X Research source As a general rule, June is a good time of year for finding caterpillars. If you can’t wait until they’re in season, it’s possible to buy caterpillars from some companies so that you can raise them into butterflies yourself. [10] X Research source
As an example, a Monarch looks like a creamy yellow oblong dot — kind of like the head of those colored tailoring pins. [11] X Research source If there are butterflies around, you might even see a butterfly lay an egg. If a butterfly lands on a leaf and lingers, it’s possible she’s laying an egg, so go and check the underside of the leaf once she’s gone. [12] X Research source
If you want it off your hand, lower your hand to a leaf and let the caterpillar walk on to the leaf on its own. If you are keeping a caterpillar and want to change its host plant, put a new host plant into its container and give the caterpillar a few hours to move over to the new host plant before you remove the old one. [17] X Research source
Common stinging caterpillars include the Buck Moth, the Io Moth, Slug-like caterpillars, the Puss Caterpillar, the Saddleback Caterpillar, the Euclea delphinii caterpillar, the Hag Moth, and the Stinging Rose caterpillar. [19] X Research source
You can also try putting ice and/or baking soda on the sting to help with pain and swelling. Caterpillar stings are similar to bee stings in that they are generally not fatal, but severe reactions can occur. If you have a history of asthma or any allergies, or allergic reactions such as difficulty breathing or severe swelling occur, seek medical help immediately. [21] X Research source
Suitable containers for caterpillars include aquariums or even one-gallon jars. The top of the living space should be breathable and securely fastened: cheesecloth or a thin-mesh screen will work well. Do not simply poke holes into a jar lid, as this will not provide enough fresh air for the caterpillars. In addition, if they crawl on to the lid the sharp edges of the holes may cut the caterpillars open. [22] X Research source
Note that not all caterpillars hang upside down to pupate, however. Some moth caterpillars dig down into the soil to pupate. [24] X Research source
Caterpillars won’t eat dead, dry, or old leaves, so it’s imperative to make fresh ones available to them each day. You can keep leaves in water to preserve them, but do not keep the water in the same container as the caterpillar as the caterpillar could fall into it and drown. [26] X Research source Caterpillars get the hydration they need from eating plants, so there’s no need to keep water in their container.
Just be sure not to over-water the container, otherwise it could start growing mould. [28] X Research source
For caterpillars that hang upside down to pupate, the easiest way to keep the cage clean is to line its bottom with paper towels and then remove and replace the paper towels with fresh ones each day.
If you’re unsure of what species of caterpillar you have, you’re best off lining the container with soil just in case. [30] X Research source
In its final instar the caterpillar becomes a pupa (for butterflies this is also known as a chrysalis). In many moth species the pupa stage will involve a cocoon or the caterpillar burrowing down into soil to pupate. After anywhere from a few days to a few months, a butterfly or moth will emerge from the pupa. Its goal is then to mate and reproduce before dying.
Once your caterpillar becomes a butterfly, it’s best to simply let it go.
Milkweed is a tall perennial with large, tough leaves that are usually long and oval-shaped. The plant usually grows in dryer locations and can be found in fields and along roadsides. Of the 75 types of milkweed that grow across the U. S. , Monarchs favor 30. [33] X Research source Milkweed seeds are often a defining feature. They are small, flat and reddish-brown, with silky hair sprouting out of one end. [34] X Research source
The plant thrives beneath larger trees located in forests and woods, and grows shiny red berries.
The Paw-Paw has large foliage that appears tropical and bears large pale fruits of the same name. [35] X Research source
Dill, parsley, and fennel are known to grow wildly throughout North America, and can also be purchased at most garden nurseries.
Walnut trees are usually found near ravines and streams, and grow in abundance throughout the state of California. [36] X Research source Walnut trees can grow up to 70 feet (21. 3 m) tall and tend to have branches that grow outward into a prominent, upright rounded shape.
Some plant-identifying apps are supported by universities and other research institutes, and kept up to date by experts in their fields. If possible, try downloading one of these apps before choosing a more commercial one.
