Quote:
Originally Posted by NYCorchidman
Yep, that's when they are the most beautiful because once they leave out in the wild, wings often damaged.
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Lepidopterans (butterflies and moths) generally live very short lives (except migratory species like monarchs) so this doesn't do an incredible deal of harm torwards the species. Some moths don't have any mouthparts as adults and are therefore incapable of eating. All they do is quickly breed, lay their eggs on a host plant and die.
Also, I find that raising them and bringing them into a safe indoor environment allows them to mature and grow properly, assuming proper care is taken. When the butterfly emerges, it requires a good amount of time for the wings to properly unfold and dry. During this period, they are very vulnerable to predators and most types of wing deformations happen at this stage. Raising them in adequate space gives them a safe environment in which they can be free of any threats.
If any of you find a caterpillar on your plants, if possible, find it a small enclosure with the proper host plant, a bit of humidity and make the habitat is clean. I usually place a paper towel at the bottom of the cage, with a stick for them to pupate on and give them the right host plant (depending on their species).
Misting and cleaning would help too.
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