How Do Butterflies Breed In A Greenhouse?

Written by GreenhouseGusto in Greenhouse Q&A

Butterflies are one of the most vital creatures that can add beauty and significance to your greenhouse. Moreover, it is the best and most harmless creature you can raise in a greenhouse. Some other creatures may harm the plant, which would be the last thing you want.

If you have butterflies in a greenhouse, they will breed and increase in number. This can increase the beauty of your greenhouse and provide a cozy environment for the butterflies. But there is a lot to understand for the butterflies to breed.

How Do Butterflies Breed In A Greenhouse?

Keeping butterflies in a greenhouse may be easy, but ensuring they breed and prosper is challenging. There is a difference between the living space and breeding space for butterflies. If you want the butterflies, there are some requirements that you have to follow.

In a greenhouse, it is important to place butterfly breeding cages in a sunny place. Make sure the breeding cage is at least 8’x8’x8′.

The right temperature of the greenhouse plays a very critical role. An average body temperature of a greenhouse can be from 270C to 410C. Ensure that the temperature of the greenhouse makes them feel comfortable.

The butterflies, if paired successfully, mate, take from 30 minutes to 8 hours to mate. So there are many things that you have to note down to raise a baby caterpillar and let it grow into a butterfly.

Requirements For The Butterfly To Lay Eggs

The mating process of the butterfly can be from 30 minutes to 8 hours. That is when they shouldn’t be disturbed as it can stop them from mating. Just like that, some pointers will help you breed butterflies.

  • Fill the greenhouse with nectar plant as the female butterfly lays her egg on the leaves
  • Never pick the eggs right after she lays them; let them dry for at least five to eight hours.
  • Make sure to pick the eggs carefully.
  • Place a tissue paper in a ventilated box and keeps the eggs in that
  • Don’t forget to keep the tissue paper moist, and the box should have high humidity
  • Keep the box ventilated at all times

How To Take Care Of New Borns

You should be aware of this to take care of the newborn caterpillar properly. Never touch a newborn caterpillar, as they are very fragile. A touch on the wrong place can turn out fatal for them.

That is why if you want to move them, the best way is to place a leave beneath them. Then, raising the newborn from the hatching box in a new place is recommended.

But make sure to consult an expert about the specie you are raising. Different species require different conditions where they should be raised.

Feeding them the right food is very critical, and that is something you should always have ready.

How to Feed New-Born Caterpillars

All young caterpillars require as food are fresh leaves. You have a greenhouse, so you will never run out of fresh leave, that is for sure. Keep in mind that caterpillars eat a lot, so it would be best to have fresh leaves ready.

But feeding the caterpillars the same species of leaves can be boring. So it would be best to feed them different species of leaves. This would improve their health and make them feel at home.

Ensure the caterpillars are always moist and have sufficient water to keep them alive.

Moisture is Very Important For Caterpillars

The body of the caterpillar and its texture are such that it requires moist conditions and a lot of entire water day. It keeps them alive and ensures a healthy life ahead.

Moisture is what helps the caterpillars grow and turn into beautiful butterflies. That is why you should always set a wet environment for the caterpillars.

The best to provide water to caterpillars is by pouring the water droplets on the leaf they are resting on. Then, they consume water by sliding next to the water droplets.

Last Stage Of Butterfly Breeding

The last breeding stage is when the caterpillar is turned into a butterfly. This is the day you were waiting for and made all the efforts.

There is a silky wall known as pupae that the caterpillar wraps itself to protect. Make sure to hang the pupae in the greenhouse and let it be. The pupae will start cracking in a while, and the butterfly will come out flying.

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