Caterpillar Setups > Closed Container - Papilio indra
In addition to the slide show below, please click here to see a video presentation.
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Stack of Storage Containers
Each storage container only has 1 fifth instar indra swallowtail caterpillar.
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Papilio indra minori in a Closed Container
Change out host plant and remove frass every morning and evening using this method. Overcrowding Papilio indra larvae can cause them to get sick. I usually only place 1 fifth instar larva or 2 fourth instar larvae per storage container.
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Disgusting but necessary
Most people are likely aghast at why I would photograph caterpillar poop. One of the most sought after butterflies in the United States is the indra swallowtail. Those who know how to find their caterpillars oftentimes subject them to disease because they do not understand the shelf life of cuttings of the particular variety of parsley (Lomatium or Cymopterus) used to raise their caterpillar. This photo shows frass from a healthy caterpillar of Papilio indra. If the frass is wet, the caterpillar is showing signs of sickness and will die.
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Papilio indra Caterpillar Purges
When a fifth instar P. indra caterpillar purges, it has finished feeding and needs to be placed in an area where it can form a chrysalis.
