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This thread is the sticky for information and a list of referencing links to share information on HOW TO RAISE AND RELEASE BUTTERFLIES AND MOTHS!
Please do NOT post questions or comments here. You are invited to post on another thread or start a thread.
This thread is to educate anyone interested in collecting eggs, raising larva (caterpillars), what to do and what to expect with pupa (chrysalis and cocoon), and what to expect and how to release a newly eclosed (emerged) Butterfly.
Here is a list of some helpful terminology:
caterpillar - the larval stage of either a moth or a butterfly.
instar - a caterpillar in any one of its periods of growth between molts or shedding it's skin.
chrysalis - the pupa stage of a butterfly. The chrysalis is often mistakenly called a cocoon. The chrysalis forms when the butterfly caterpillar sheds its skin for the final time, and a hardened outer covering forms to cover the changing pupa inside.
cocoon - the pupa stage of a moth. The cocoon is a covering that protects the pupa inside as it changes into a moth. Cocoons are formed from silken threads spun by the last instar caterpillar. Some species of moths will also incorporate leaves into their cocoons. After the cocoon is formed, the caterpillar inside will shed its skin for the final time, and a pupa with a hardened outer coating will form.
host plant - the plant that adult butterflies and moths will use for egg laying. Many species of butterflies and moths will only lay their eggs on one or a few types of plants, while others are less selective. The eggs are only placed on plants that the emerging caterpillars will eat.
larva - the juvenile stage of many insects. For butterflies and moths, the larval stage is the caterpillar.
lepidoptera - the scientific classification of the order of butterflies and moths.
metamorphosis - the complete physical change which many species of insects undergo.
nectar plant - a plant whose blooms allow butterflies, some moths, and hummingbirds access to nectar.
puddling - drinking from a mineral-rich water source. The males of some species of butterflies will visit damp soil, mud, wet compost, etc. in large groups. This is referred to as puddling, and allows them to obtain minerals they need, but which are not found in the nectar flowers they visit.
pupa - the stage when the larva (caterpillar) is turning into an adult butterfly or moth.
(pl - pupae)
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