Observation date: June 26, 2012
Submitted by: Lucia
Specimen type: Photograph
Observation notes: Found when climate was partly sunny with fog fast approaching from the coast. Caterpillar was near a purple flowering (no flowers at this time) plant on a fence. I removed it and placed it in one of my flowering plants (pics) the caterpillar was incredibly comfortable with my handling of it, explored its new location, great energy and fast in exploring the new plant at some point it began to get restless and I offered a transfer which it climb on to my hand held tool. When I transfered to the new location it explored the plant but stayed half on the plant stem and half on the tool until it was comfortable then it moved unto the new location. This is also a flowering plant with greater foliage and what I felt was better protection of the fast approaching change in weather. The caterpillar has remained on the stem, underneath one of the leaves (it ate the first one), for 3 days with little or no movement. The temperature has remained foggy with mild rain and cool. I created an indoor glass (uncovered) housing for it this afternoon and purchased a plant called a "butterfly plant" which I placed in the center to keep the caterpillar safe and provide it with plenty of food. I then went to where the caterpillar is resting and removed the small branch it is attached too and nestled it within the "butterfly plant" in the big glass jar. I have a great deal of wildlife in the backyard, including garter snake. Since the caterpillar is barely moving, I thought this was the best action to take to protect it from climate and my many other creatures that live in my garden. Advise is greatly appreciated. Not finding this particular type of caterpillar anywhere and need an idea of how long it should be in glass container before releasing into the wild.
Status: Resident
Verified by: jwileyrains
Verified date: January 22, 2022
Coordinator notes: None.
