How to Feed a Caterpillar
Some caterpillars, before becoming butterflies, are conscripted to the world of elementary-school science. Both parents and teachers often keep them to demonstrate to children the life cycle of an insect. But until a caterpillar makes that glorious transition from earthbound slug to heavenly butterfly, it must eat. In fact, caterpillars have voracious appetites, even becoming cannibalistic if they don't get enough food, according to the Amateur Entomologists' Society.
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Instructions
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Take the plant the caterpillar is munching on when you find it. Place the caterpillar and the plant in a cage. This pairing will buy you time until you can determine which types of plants the caterpillar enjoys eating.
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Visit your local library or use the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service's website to look up the name of the plant the caterpillar was eating when you captured it. On the website, you can do a search by listing the plant's characteristics. For instance, you can list whether it is a shrub, an herb, a perennial or a fern. Another option is taking the plant to a local nursery. After you identify it, stock up on the plant. Pick more of them from a field or purchase some from a nursery.
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Examine a field guide at the library, or use the Discover Life website to determine the type of caterpillar you captured. Find your specific caterpillar by selecting its main body color, body pattern, hair density and any distinct features. Review the results on the website or in the field guide to identify your caterpillar. Read on to learn of any additional plants that your specific caterpillar likes to eat. Stock up on those plants as well.
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Place the entire plant in the cage. Replace the plant if it begins to dry up or when the caterpillar has consumed most of the foliage.
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Spray the inside of the caterpillar cage with water once daily. Keep in mind that a little bit goes a long way. A large amount of water will drown the caterpillar.
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Tips & Warnings
Your caterpillar will grow larger over time and even shed. Be sure to increase the amount of food you feed your caterpillar as it grows.
Cages for caterpillars are sold in department stores, but you can also use a large jar with holes drilled in to the lid.
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