Basics for Beginners
To put it simply, in order to raise butterfly caterpillars, you need to understand these basic concepts:
- How caterpillars hatch from eggs and grow
- What varieties of plant do you need to feed your caterpillars--butterfly caterpillars usually require specific plants to feed on
- What types of cages or containers are practical
- What type of housekeeping functions--i.e, remove waste, replace plant, etc. will you need to perform
Young caterpillars hatch from their eggs, feed on their host plant and go through the a series of molts called instars as they develop. More.
Necessary equipment and strategies need not be complicated nor costly. Most can be constructed at home or acquired inexpensively. The Techniques and Setups section will provide more information.
For many reasons, some butterfly species are generally easier to raise than other species of butterflies. For those new to raising butterflies, it is always advisable to start with the easier species where the butterfly and its host plant are available in your area.
The list below contains species of butterflies that are relatively simple to raise. Click on any link for a photo-based tutorial providing the specifics for how to raise them. (Please be patient while I populate the links below.)
Anise Swallowtail (Papilio zelicaon) (Western U.S)
Two Tailed Swallowtail (Papilio multicaudatus) (Western U.S.)
Eastern Black Swallowtail (Papilio polyxenes asterius) (Eastern U.S.; Arizona)
Checkered White" (Pontia protodice) (North America)
Cabbage White (Pieris rapae) (North America)
The Monarch (Danaus plexippus) (North America)
Red Spotted Purple (Limenitis astyanax astyanax) (Eastern U.S.)
Thistle Crescent (Phyciodes mylitta) (Western U.S.)
California Tortoiseshell (Nymphalis californica) (Western U.S.)
Mourning Cloak (Nymphalis antiopa) (North America)
Painted Lady (Vanessa cardui) (North America)
The Buckeye (Precis coenia coenia) (North America)
Gulf Fritillary (Agraulis vanillae) (Southern United States)
Gray Hairstreak (Strymon melinus) (North America)
Checkered Skipper (Pyrgus communis) (North America)
