How to Raise Caterpillars? A Detailed Guide to Feeding Methods and Tips
Caterpillars generally refer to the larvae of Lepidoptera (moths and butterflies) insects. Some larvae have many toxic bristles on their bodies, and if a person touches them, the skin will become red and swollen. So, how do you raise caterpillars?
1. How to Raise Caterpillars
First, find a container, preferably with a lid (to prevent escape). Then, spread a layer of substrate on the bottom (bark, sand, stones, cotton, etc.), and spread leaves on the surface. Feeding is mainly based on leaves, and the raising method is similar to raising silkworms.
Caterpillars are widely distributed, and these small caterpillars are often found on various trees. When cooling off under trees, wear a wide-brimmed straw hat or sun hat and long-sleeved clothing, and do not linger under trees that have caterpillars. If a caterpillar accidentally lands on your body, do not swat at it randomly; gently shake it off. If toxic hairs get on the skin, use medical adhesive tape to stick the toxic hairs away. If medical adhesive tape is not available at the moment, transparent tape can be used instead. Never scratch or touch randomly, otherwise it will become more and more serious, and extremely itchy red rashes will appear on the local area of the body and spread quickly, causing unbearable itching; in severe cases, the red rashes can also form blisters. After the toxic hairs are completely removed, apply Piyanping, FuqingSong, or calamine lotion to the locally injured skin, which can be applied multiple times a day, and frequently apply ice packs yourself, and it will heal in two weeks. For those with severe itching and pain, or with systemic symptoms, or with severe rashes, oral anti-itch antihistamine drugs such as Kemineng and Chlorpheniramine can be taken, and severe patients need to be sent to the hospital promptly for treatment. If there is a whole-body reaction? Such as fever, headache, abdominal pain, etc., immediately send the patient to the hospital for emergency treatment.