Waitlist for Moth Adoptions

Event Summary

We will very likely have moth/butterfly eggs/caterpillars available for adoption again this May. Please sign up here if you would like to receive email updates for when the adoption sign up goes live-registering here does not guarantee you will get eggs.

We don't know yet what species will be available, but general care information is included below, including more specific information on the 5 species we often have available. We will do our best to accommodate as many adoptions as possible, so we typically only allow one signup per person/household.

Please note the host plant comment associated with each species. Once caterpillars hatch and start to eat a host plant, their food source cannot change - so make sure you have enough of the plant to keep those hungry caterpillars fed! We will send detailed care instructions with the eggs when you pick them up.

Polyphemus: Need leaves from Oak, Birch, Willow, or Maple

Promethea: Need leaves from Wild cherry, Tulip Tree, or Magnolia

Cecropia: Need leaves from Wild cherry, Apple, Crabapple, Wild plum

Luna: Need leaves from Black Walnut or Hickory

Mourning Cloak: Need leaves from Willow, Elm, or Hackberry

To start, you will need somewhere safe to raise them. These caterpillars will need a well ventilated space or they will get sick quickly. It is best to raise them outside, but indoors, a large screen or mesh cage will work, and can be found easily online. A Rubbermaid tub with organza fabric secured over the top will work as well. *Cecropia moths MUST be raised OUTSIDE directly on their living host plant.*

The best (and easiest!) way to raise them is directly on the host tree/shrub. We recommend these sleeves from Raisingbutterflies.org. They can be slid over a branch outside and secured in place. We typically use the draw-string sleeves that are 10"x20". This is the easiest way to raise any of the caterpillars. You can make your own "sleeves" with organza mesh fabric if you are crafty. Raising butterfiles also has a ton of great mesh cages for sale that are high quality and reasonably priced.

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