Teaching with Monarchs

Rearing Containers

Your container will depend upon your preference of rearing caterpillars. There are many right ways, methods, and containers.

If you prefer to use a living plant, you will need a large container. This can be a plastic tote, a cardboard box, or other item with holes cut and covered with fine screen. Some teachers use a screened reptarium or other container which is a framework covered with screen.

If you are using cut plant material, you can purchase a plastic tote from any discount store. Be sure you rear your hatchlings in a sealed container with a fine mesh material over a ventilation hole. Hatchlings can and will crawl out of a container without a secure seal.

Be sure to keep your containers clean. Mold and mildew are unhealthy for caterpillars too!

Shady Oak Butterfly Farm
12876 SW CR 231
Brooker, FL 32622