HELP I have a large white caterpillar...

[WildWonder]

My daughter has captured a l;arge white butterfly caterpillar. She then took some leaves off the broccoli in my fridge gave them a good wash, then dryed them and has fed this to the caterpillar.
Tha catterpillar is eating the leaves BUT I am worried about pesticides.
is it too late for this caterpillar or can I buy some organig cabbage and broccoli to feed it?
thanks everyone for your help

[Wild-Woman]

I think you'll find the pesticides (if any were used) would have been washed off. It'll be good for your daughter to see the life-cycle. Best way to learn.

[Jason Green]

Welcome to WAB, WW.

I think most people have fed caterpillars ordinary vegetables, though you can give it organics by ALL means.

Well done on the consideration.

Good luck!

[WildWonder]

Oh ok I was really worried about normal store bought foods
I am more than happy to let her watch this life-cycle to be honest I have never seen it myself so I quite curious myself. Just when she told me what she did I got really worried.. the broccoli is store bought but not organic LOL so I thought there would be pesticides and the poor caterpillar wouldn't have a chance.
I have sent my other half off to buy a cabbage for it to eat, what is the best way to keep it, does it need special dirt down or branches or anything? what about tempurature? or am I just being a little over cautious with the caterpllar?
Please help me make a nice little habitat untill it changes.
thanks again for all your time!

[Jason Green]

I think most people use a jar, big enough for it to move once it's become an actual butterfly until you release it. I used small plastic fish tanks when I kept snails and woodlice.

I would suggest you put down mud or compost - maybe - and definately twigs and leaves to chrysalize on.

Don't forget air holes!!

It won't need spraying - they drown easily. It'll get all the moisture it nheeds from fresh greens, like cabbage.

Keep it on a shelf at room temperature to avoid direct sunlight and heat, perhaps if others think so.

It'll be fascinating to watch

Could you post an image to show us what he/the house looks like?

Take care,

Jason

[WildWonder]

wow they sound fairly easy to keep... fingers crossed all goes well. It is just sitting on some fresh washed cabbage.
We will release it when it turns in to a butterfly.
I will post some pics tomorrow right now it is in a little plastic tub with airholes, so will go and get a insect house thingy that are a dime a dozen.
I may even ask my friend to bring a few more caterpillars round, if that is wise?...
Thanks for all the help I will be building a butterfly apartment tomorrow.

[petereeles]

Just a word of caution - having air holes in the container will allow the food to dry out more quickly than it otherwise would. There's also enough air in most containers to last several days - so I wouldn't have bothered with that!

If you can't keep the caterpillar on growing foodplant, then I'd recommend changing the food every day.

Cheers,

- Pete

[WildWonder]

I will change the food everyday. Is it hard to keep them alive? My daughter is very worried it is going to pass on in the night....
It seems ok to me.. not that active but it is nibbling every hour or so, is that normal?

[Jason Green]

It's not that hard, we've released a few!!

Maybe the lack of movement i a sign of chrysalizing?