The best time to go caterpillar hunting is during the spring and summer, as this is when the majority of moths and butterflies will lay their eggs. However, some species - such as the woolly bear caterpillar - emerge in autumn. Winter is the only time of year when caterpillars cannot be found.  In the wild, caterpillar typically have a 2% survival rate, which means that for every 100 eggs a female butterfly or moth lays, only two will survive to maturity.  This is due to the large number of predators who list caterpillars as a food source. Therefore, by keeping the caterpillar as a pet, you are giving it a much greater chance of survival. Be aware that autumn caterpillars will most likely pupate for the entire winter, so you'll have to wait a lot longer for the moth or butterfly to emerge than with spring or summer butterflies, which typically emerge within 2 to 3 weeks. The best place to search for caterpillars is on their host plants, as caterpillars will typically stay close to their food source. If you are not picky about the type of caterpillar you want to care for, you can check the leaves of any plant in your garden or at the park. However, if you are looking for specific caterpillars/butterflies/moths, you will need to target specific plants. Some of the most common ones are as follows:  The caterpillars of Monarch butterflies are most commonly found on the Milkweed plant. The caterpillars of Spicebush Swallowtails are most commonly found on the Spicebush. The caterpillars of Zebra Swallowtails are most commonly found on the leaves of the Paw Paw tree. The caterpillars of Black Swallowtails are most commonly found on herbs such as parsley, dill and fennel. The caterpillars of Luna Moths are most commonly found on the leaves of Walnut and Sweet Gum trees. The caterpillars of Cecropia Moths, Viceroy butterflies and Red-Spotted Purple butterflies are most commonly found on the leaves of Cherry Trees. If there's a very specific type of caterpillar, butterfly or moth you want to care for, or if you're having difficulty finding  a caterpillar outside, there is always the option to order caterpillars from special supplier, or buy butterfly kits online.  You can purchase caterpillars or order them in their larvae state, before they have even hatched. If you're just interested in the butterflies or moths, you can order pupae - then all you need to do is wait for them to emerge. Some of the most commonly available caterpillars are Monarchs, which are available to order at www.MonarchWatch.org, and Painted Lady caterpillars. The Painted Lady caterpillars are particularly easy to keep, as they are delivered with a growth medium which sustains them until they pupate, eliminating the need to find their host plant. Once you find a caterpillar, it is very important that you handle it using the correct method. If you try to pick up a caterpillar, it can cling to the surface it's standing on with remarkable strength and if you continue to pull you may injure it, or even pull off its legs.  The best way to pick up and transport a caterpillar is to take a sheet of paper or a leaf and place it in front of the caterpillar. Then give the caterpillar a little nudge on the behind. The caterpillar will then walk forwards onto the leaf or paper, in order to avoid your touch. You can then carry the caterpillar around on its temporary perch. Just make sure not to drop the caterpillars - dropping them from a height of even a few inches can kill them. If you need to handle the caterpillar, it is best to wash your hands first. Caterpillars are very fragile and can pick up bacterial infections from human skin. Some caterpillars have prickly hairs or spikes which can irritate or even sting your skin. Therefore,  it's best to avoid touching these types of caterpillars with your bare hands.
اختر الوقت المناسب من السنة. ابحث عن الأساريع على النباتات المضيفة. اطلب نوعية معينة من الأساريع من الإنترنت. تعامل مع الأساريع باهتمام.