I have some guava caterpillars on my guava tree again and last time there were caterpillars here a lot of them didn’t make it because of parasitic wasps, natural predators and I possibly disease.

I really want to see the life cycle of one tho so I’m looking into getting or DIY-ing some sleeves to put on the branches and watch them grow but I want to know if anyone has recommendations for brands or any advice.

Thanks!

Photo is from about 4-5 yrs old, but it still makes me smile whenever I see it. I think it should be a Common Buckeye

A monarch butterfly perched on goldenrod.

I’m in Texas and the highs are low 50’s to low 60’s with the lows in the 40’s after today. Is it safe to release? Suggestions welcomed.

Central Texas, just after Thanksgiving, is still enjoying our beautiful butterfly guests.

Hello, I am currently taking care of a red spotted purple butterfly that can not be released outside due to extreme cold temperatures.

She has been very happily eating on a tomato slices, red peppers and clementines and also drinking some muddy water.

I am aware that butterflies excrete red liquid after emerging, but she has already been out and about for three days so I'm not sure if that is still able to happen? Is it due to the tomatoes? Or is it likely she may be sick. I am worried about her being ill due to having cats in my home, although I keep them away from her as much as possible. I have a very curious cat who likes to watch her flutter around.

Is it normal for a butterfly to continue to excrete red liquid 3 days after emerging? I did read that sometimes their poop changes due to their food and since she has been drinking from red peppers and tomatoes it can cause her waste to be red? I plan to put her outside to be eaten once she dies naturally just so her life still adds to the circle of life, but if she is ill I don't want to risk infecting anything.

I am very worried about my cats, but also the butterfly. I have been keeping her warm because I'd feel quite sad about her freezing outside, but I don't want her to be suffering from some infection.

Help! I ordered butterflies 75 painted ladies for my Auntie funeral. The weather was supposed to be 72°. California had a crazy atmospheric rain and now I have a butterfly cage in my living room! I fed them per instructions and they seem happy and alive. But we have zero sun in sight! I have had them out about 7 hours and I feel like they smell. Does anyone know if it is safe to release them at all? How long can they be kept like this and am I imagining that they smell? I bought them from a beautiful farm and there is so much country here and it’s not usually this cold. Ideas?

Thank you for all your comments and insight I left the butterfly alone yesterday Protected it from the cold

This morning it was taking small flight I thought it must be lethargic so placed it under some indirect sun Gave it sugary drink

It took the drink after about 4-5 mins Something I learned that they have taste buds on their feet!

And then after it was able to take flight and flew away.

I don’t think one should give up just because that seems most logical :)

Any recommendations for the best Chrsalus Butterfly Kit?