Giant Swallowtail Caterpillar

10 years ago

I have one really big Giant Swallowtail Caterpillar in a mesh butterfly cage right now. I have been watching him for at least 14 days on the tangerine tree. I felt like he might get eaten by the birds, and decided to put him in the butterfly cage. This is my first try with the cage. I have it on the back porch, where the temperature is the same as outside. I broke a small limb off of the tree, that has lots of leaves. I also put a big stick in the cage with him, in case he wants to pupate there. Is there anything in particular that I should consider? I feel like it won't be long until he pupates. He is walking around on the ceiling of the cage now.

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Comments (4)

Tom
10 years ago
If he doesn't pupate he or she will need fresh leaves. Is the branch you broke off in water? If so, make sure that the cat won't fall in and you should be okay for a few days.
bethpierce77
Original Author
10 years ago
I put a wet paper towel around the base of the branch, and wrapped that with aluminum foil. I propped the branch up against the side of the cage. This morning, he is eating the leaves. I am going to leave him some fresh leaves this morning before I go to work. I know for a fact that I have been watching him on the tree for 15 days. How long do you think it will be before he pupates?
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KC Clark - Zone 2012-6a OH
10 years ago
The page I've linked below has pictures of GST cats in each instar.

Wish I could help you with their timeline but I've never kept track of them. I just protect them while they do their thing.

Here is a link that might be useful: Giant Swallowtail caterpillar pics
caterwallin
10 years ago
If I remember correctly, I think I fed Giant Swallowtails approximately 3 weeks before they pupated.
Cathy