Preparing “Tucker” the Milkweed Tussock Caterpillar for Cocoon

I did some research from bug guide.net that advised to provide a shelter similar to outdoors, like a screened-in porch…in my case, I selected a screened-in window. Tucker, hopefully, will make its cocoon when it is ready and I’m to keep feeding the caterpillar until then. But lately, Tucker hasn’t eaten any of the fresh leaves so I hope it will start wandering around and notice that in its new environment is a pile of shredded paper for it to pupate. Just have to keep checking on it and wait and see!

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About Mary Ann COKE

My granddaughters' interest in raising Monarchs inspired me to also save these beautiful and remarkable creatures. This is my 3rd season and live in Michigan on acreage that has milkweed at my door step. It's a great place for hunting eggs and caterpillars and delighting others when a Monarch finally emerges. Releasing them into the wild is as freeing as if our human hearts are being released, too. To date as of 8/26/14, 20 have been released with 14 in reserve as chrisalis and numerous caterpillars yet to complete their stages.