Posted by Amy MItchell on January 3, 2006

Q: I found two green caterpillers in the snow this morning in Redding, CT after a significant storm. they are alive. What can I so to try and save their lives? My son and I weren't sure what to do with them. we warmed them up and placed them in a spider plant in the living room. Please help!

Habitat: field/meadow

State: Connecticut

Habitat: field/meadow

A: Different kinds of moths and butterflies have different ways to overwinter so one would need to know exactly what kind of insect you have to be sure what is appropriate for care. However, since it is winter, it is safe to assume that your caterpillars are adapted to spend the winter as they are now(larvae). Although your first impulse may be to warm your little guys, they're much better off staying outside in the cold. My guess is that they will overwinter as caterpillars and then in the spring, pupate and then emerge as adults. If you think about it, in a natural setting, your caterpillars would NOT have any warm place to go at this time of year so they must not need this extra warmth.

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If you can place your guys on a shrub nearby where they can get off the ground they'll probably be just fine. You may find that on a warm day they may even crawl about and leave your location but they'll do what's best so don't worry about that. I certainly applaud your eagerness to help these insects but letting them go through winter naturally, as they're suited, is the best bet for their well-being. Thanks for asking and good luck.

John Wiessinger ( January 3, 2006)