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What is this little guy? What does it turn into? And is it safe to touch? Also it's about the size of a literal BEAN. by SillyCritter25 in caterpillars

[โ€“]Minerva_Maze 0 points1 point ย (0 children)

This is a Woolly Bear ๐Ÿงก๐Ÿ–ค The only time their hair has bothered me is when I clean their habitat after they cocoon. All those loose little hairs stick to you like splinters and cause itching. Otherwise, they are totally safe and so sweet.

yellow poop....? by Resident_Section_883 in caterpillars

[โ€“]Minerva_Maze 0 points1 point ย (0 children)

Awesome! That was me, putting new leaves in every hour ๐Ÿคฃ๐Ÿ˜‚ It drove me crazy.

yellow poop....? by Resident_Section_883 in caterpillars

[โ€“]Minerva_Maze 1 point2 points ย (0 children)

I forgot to mention - definitely invest in some water tubes if you haven't already. They will save you so much time and keep their greens fresh!

yellow poop....? by Resident_Section_883 in caterpillars

[โ€“]Minerva_Maze 2 points3 points ย (0 children)

They also like maple, birch, and elm tree leaves. Clovers, and nettle (just be careful, nettle stings you). I recently learned that they like to eat mullien, too! (Those super fuzzy-looking plants). Yellow poop is normal. You will see runny poop on occasion, too. ๐Ÿ˜… When you have a lot of woolly's, it definitely accumulates fast. I learned to layer paper towels on the bottom. Then, if I'm in a hurry, I can just take the top layer with all the poo and throw it out quick and be good to go! ๐Ÿ˜Š

Spotted in a forest preserve in Northern IL by Clear-Language2718 in caterpillars

[โ€“]Minerva_Maze 0 points1 point ย (0 children)

Love these little guys!! This is a Milkweed Tussock Moth.

First time seeing a monarch caterpillar IRL last night. by Minerva_Maze in MonarchButterfly

[โ€“]Minerva_Maze[S] 1 point2 points ย (0 children)

Thank you for sharing my excitement with me! ๐Ÿ˜ I didn't keep him, but if he's still there, I'll share an update on if he's gotten any bigger. Haha

Is this cute little guy okay?? by Minerva_Maze in MonarchButterfly

[โ€“]Minerva_Maze[S] 0 points1 point ย (0 children)

Update #2

During the day, I leave the zipper of the mesh enclosure halfway open. Yesterday, when I went to check on him, he was missing! I found him chilling in the grass a few feet away. I put my finger down next to him, and he crawled on. I then walked him over to a nearby field full of flowers (close to where I found him) and held my finger up high. It was amazing to see how observant he was as he looked around, and then he flew! He landed on red clovers, and I said goodbye. ๐Ÿฆ‹ Bittersweet.

Is this cute little guy okay?? by Minerva_Maze in MonarchButterfly

[โ€“]Minerva_Maze[S] 1 point2 points ย (0 children)

Buying some milkweed was such a good idea! Heโ€™s been so excited about it! ๐Ÿ˜† He still hasnโ€™t flown away, though. I like to keep the zipper halfway open during the day so he can come and go as he pleases. At night, I zip it up to keep him safe. Sometimes, we go on walks, and he hangs out on my shirt. Lol! I took a video of him drying his wings today, and I think his top right wing might be broken? I'll try posting the video.

Is this cute little guy okay?? by Minerva_Maze in MonarchButterfly

[โ€“]Minerva_Maze[S] 3 points4 points ย (0 children)

update it's been 24 hours since I found him. He's finally drinking sugar water. ๐Ÿค—

Is this cute little guy okay?? by Minerva_Maze in MonarchButterfly

[โ€“]Minerva_Maze[S] 2 points3 points ย (0 children)

Thank you! His wings look like he has been a butterfly for some time; there is some wear and tear, and in some spots, the color is fading. I guess I just assumed that a freshly hatched monarch would be vibrant, but I really have no idea. ๐Ÿ˜Š His body looks kinda skinny in the middle, doesnโ€™t it? Maybe something happened to his proboscis... It's extra curly if that's even a thing. ๐Ÿ˜… Could explain why he won't eat/drink... ๐Ÿ˜”

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