Hi everyone, My name is Gabrielle and my son's name is Samuel. A few weeks back we found an E-H moth caterpillar in our back garden. I only know it is an E-H after a lot of checking up on the internet. Anyway, we thought it would be rather educational to watch the caterpillar when it changes into a moth. What we did was we used a plastic transparent fish bowl and put in the bowl a small layer of soil and some of the weeds it was feeding on. We picked up the caterpillar whilst it was on the weeds so not to actually touch it. We put more of the weeds (willowherb) in the bowl and you should have seen him eat!! We have named him Munchy!!. Anyway, before I ask the relevent questions I will continue as things have moved on.... I have read Harry's advices and yes, he wrapped some of the leaves around him and curled into what looked like a little ball. He was pulsating. A few days later he (I think) has started his cocoon. He has formed a hard coating around his body and seems to be emerging like a finger from underneath the leaves. He is obviously no longer munching away but he does give a very small jerk from time to time - maybe once every 2 days not that I sit staring at him all the time!! Anyway, what I need to know is:
We put soil in the bottom of the bowl but after reading Harry's script what do I do as the soil is not necessary. Shall I leave it as it is or take the soil out? If I take the soil out it will mean disturbing Munchy. I am going to attempt to attach a photograph of Munchy before he went into his cocoon. Thanks for reading, advices awaited. Gabrielle and Samuel. ps, can my son take him into school to show the class? If so, should he take him in the bowl as he is because if so, I think I had better carry him. (My son is only 6 and will end up dropping the bowl and losing Munchy!!). Thanks again.
We put soil in the bottom of the bowl but after reading Harry's script what do I do as the soil is not necessary. Shall I leave it as it is or take the soil out? If I take the soil out it will mean disturbing Munchy. I am going to attempt to attach a photograph of Munchy before he went into his cocoon. Thanks for reading, advices awaited. Gabrielle and Samuel. ps, can my son take him into school to show the class? If so, should he take him in the bowl as he is because if so, I think I had better carry him. (My son is only 6 and will end up dropping the bowl and losing Munchy!!). Thanks again.
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