That is crazy. I know I have read that about theLuna moth and to me that is tragic as they are so beautiful. So I guess you would be thrilles to see them mating so quickly. I still don't know how to tell a male from a female though. I am thinking all of mine have been females since they flew off in such a hurry when I let them go but maybe they were male and had spotted a female somewhere. I don't know but now I sure hope my guys hooked up one way or another.
And you are so right about the cat stage being the least appreciated by the public. I have always loved caterpillars, since I was little thought they were so cute, but never in my wildest dreams, until I raised some, knew what the little guys go through to become a BF . This stage certainly should not be underappreciated and I certainly have a new respect for them, not just cute little "worms" to me anymore. I guess if we can change one person at a time we will be doing good. And this forum is definitely doing that. Yall have done such a wonderful job here and I am so glad I found you guys.
Leslie
How long from chrysalid to eclosure??
That feeling is 100% mutual Leslie! I really like you a lot! We are blessed to be in a place that draws in such wonderful and decent people!
:-D
yes this is great, I spend so much time here and in my garden, my monarchs are starting to turn dark, and I never would have thought of doing this if it hadn't been finding all of you on this forum - so thanks to all!!
I have to admit, caterpillars used to creep me out, but mostly because of my bad experiences with tussock moths eating the heck out of everything. Plus, I was a real girly girl growing up. But sitting here watching my little, day-old cats wandering through the cage is so fun. I really want to raise some that have those eyespots, like the Spicebush swallowtail. Now those are cute! I just planted some Spicebush so I'll cross my fingers.
It wasn't until I started lurking here a year ago that I even considered raising butterflies. Reading all of the information here, hearing the joyuous and heartbreaking stories made me feel compelled to do the same. And, as Leslie said, if one person can get another person into it, no telling what will happen a few years down the road. :)
Very true Lily!
The level of life we deal with is so critical to all other living things. I believe it effects the whole person connecting with such honest creatures. Similar to what they've found out about playing music and schoolastic achievement. Raising butterflies has all the same elements of order, only it is intimatly touching selfless life.. So much makes sense for us as we relate to them. The 'freedom and 'letting go' principles are all over this, what with raising babies and setting them free. So much more, I could yammer on and on. LOL
;-d