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How to Hatch a Caterpillar Into a Butterfly

Butterflies lay their eggs on specific host plants. If you have found butterfly eggs or caterpillars, you can determine the general kind of butterfly they will become based on the plant you found them on. Further, the plant you found the eggs or caterpillars on is the plant that you will have to provide as the caterpillar matures. Feeding plants must be fresh, so you will either have to cut branches of that specific plant or provide a potted plant in the butterfly habitat.

Things You'll Need

Butterfly eggs or caterpillars
Host plant for feeding
Habitat
Paper towels

Instructions

- 1
  Create a safe habitat for your caterpillar. Use an aquarium with a mesh lid or a 1-gallon jar with a cheesecloth cover held on with a rubber band. Keep the habitat clean and wash your hands before working with your caterpillar. Bacteria that is harmless to humans can kill a caterpillar.
- 2
  Line the bottom of the habitat with a paper towel so you can easily remove the caterpillar excrement, called frass.
- 3
  Cut branches of the host plant and place them in the habitat. Keep the branches fresh by placing them in a cup filled with vermiculite and water. Place extra cut branches in water and keep them in the refrigerator to keep them fresh.
- 4
  Allow the caterpillar to climb onto the new branches by itself when you provide fresh food. Caterpillars are very delicate and can be injured by being handled. Remove the old branches after the caterpillar has left them.
- 5
  Place a long twig in the habitat for the caterpillar to form a chrysalis on.
- 6
  
  The adult form of the Black Swallowtail Butterfly
  
  Watch the chrysalis carefully. When the butterfly has emerged, prepare to release it so that it can mate and produce eggs. If you release your butterfly into a garden where you are growing its preferred host plant, you will likely have more caterpillars to raise soon.

Insects & Science