Caterpillar Setups > Semi-Closed Terrariums
High-humidity cages can spell doom for many species of caterpillars who live in a relatively dry environment and can get sick. The major exception to this are the admirals and viceroys. They are accustomed to feeding in humid riparian areas (especially in the eastern U.S.). Raising admirals and viceroys in a terrarium with a glass lid makes sense because the caterpillars do NOT get sick in this environment (of course, you still need to change out plant and remove frass once a week) and willows and cottonwoods stay succulent in the high humidity.
-
Semi-closed terrarium
Setting up the semi-closed terrarium simply involves placing willows, cottonwoods, or aspen cuttings in bottled water, placing in a 10 gallon or 20 gallon terrarium, and then placing glass on top of that to create this environment. Remove caterpillar frass and replace host plant every week or so. Raise in 24 hours of light once larvae have reached second instar.
-
L. lorquini x L. weidemeyeri young larvae
Setup in the semi-closed terrarium. Notice the perches on the willow leaves; indicative of young admirals or viceroys.
-
-
Double Decker Terrariums
Here is a photo of the semi-closed terrarium stacked two-high; the bottom cage has cottonwoods and the top has sandbar willow.
