How to Create a Caterpillar Habitat

Put a small amount of soil in the bottom of your large jar. Pour water into your small jar or cup. Place stems and leaves of the plant where you found your caterpillar inside the small jar. Put cotton balls into the small jar so that your caterpillar won't fall into the water and drown. Place the very small jar or cup in the bottom of the large jar. Make sure the stem and leaves all fit inside the larger jar.

Place your caterpillar inside the large jar. Insert the small stick into the habitat as well so that the caterpillar has something to climb on or attach to as needed. Cover the opening of the large jar with some pantyhose or cheesecloth, and screw the canning lid ring down over the hose or cloth-covered opening. This will offer ventilation but keep your caterpillar inside.

Maintain the habitat by removing droppings and bringing in fresh leaves for the caterpillar to eat. Sometimes you just need to change out the soil or the cotton balls to clean out the droppings, which are usually black in color. It is best to use leaves from where you found the caterpillar because they typically stay close to their food source. Remove the leaves and food once the caterpillar has formed its chrysalis. Place a wet, folded paper towel into the habitat if it appears too dry so that the chrysalis won't dry out.

Free your butterfly or moth after it emerges and be aware that it will beat its wings to pieces if you wait too long after it emerges. If you have a fall caterpillar, store in a cool place until spring so that it does not emerge in winter by mistake.