live caterpillars

Insects that are predatory towards caterpillars are common and include parasitic wasps. Parasitic wasps are small wasps that lay eggs inside young caterpillars. The larvae then hatch and eat the caterpillars.

It is best to protect your caterpillars from birds, amphibians, insects and chemicals by placing them in a pop up net / netted sleeve with a pot of foodplant. Be careful to brush off any beetles or spiders from the foodplant.

NPV virus is a common pesticide sprayed on leaves to kill caterpillars - collect foodplant away from farmer’s fields to be safe.