Keeping caterpillars

[Anyonewhoknows]

Just been into my garden and all over the grass/weeds in the grass are approx 30 caterpillars (yellow and black ones)
I know once my kids go out there and start kicking their ball around and running around etc the poor caterpillars will have no chance.
Is it a really silly idea to bring them inside? The kids would love to watch the changes that happen to. My garden is tiny so nowhere really to move them to. Can I put them in a big plastic box or will I end up with dozens of glass jars in my kitchen?
Any advice greatly appreciated!

[CeridwensCottage]

Put them into a container with air holes and whatever plant they’re eating. It’s lovely that you’re rescuing them.

[Anyonewhoknows]

Thank you for replying. All I have is one of the kids plastic toy boxes. But no lid. What else could I put over the top?

[CeridwensCottage]

Cling film with lots of holes in? What plant are they eating?

[Spiderkitty]

They sound like they could be cinnabar moth caterpillars! Are they on a plant with yellow flowers? They tend to like ragwort.

If they are on ragwort it might be wise to use gloves to pick it. I'm not sure how toxic it is to humans (it's toxic to horses and cattle), but lots of people recommend wearing gloves when pulling it!

[TellsEveryoneRealFacts]

Cinnabar moth caterpillars yes. But it means you have ragwort which is not good and yes should be removed.

I think if you put them into a plastic box all you would have is crispy caterpillars within a day or two with this weather, don't fry them.

[CeridwensCottage]

You can bring them indoors to keep them out of the sun.

[TheGirlOnTheLanding]

You can buy empty butterfly gardens (without the caterpillars) from the company that sell the kits here https://www.insectlore.co.uk/butterflies/live-butterfly-kits.html so you could watch them develop and pupate.

[Anyonewhoknows]

This is them so far. Have I messed up? Should I set them free and let them take their chances?
I have an abundance of glass jars if needed but really don't have the budget to be ordering any special equipment.

[whyme2018]

You can keep them outside in a container if there is a safe place. Make sure the rain cant get in!

How old are your children? If enough take a photo every day when they cocoon and you can make your own stop-go video of the process.

[whyme2018]

If old enough...

[Anyonewhoknows]

Kids are 12,8 and 3. They are fascinated by it so I would love them to be able to observe them.

[Anyonewhoknows]

I must have over 100 in my garden!

[Maelstrop]

That’s ragwort, OP. Pull/dig up and burn, don’t put on compost heap. Horrible stuff.

[LimboLuna]

I love these caterpillars they look like they have pyjamas on to me. The moths are gorgeous too. Once they’ve turned into moths get rid of the ragwort.
But I’d enjoy them in the garden they don’t take long.
If your keeping them in jars watch out for the sun magnifying it’s cooking power!

You could buy one of those butterfly kits and keep them in there with some dug up and potted rag wort.... although you’d have to water it some how.

[DoneDisappeared]

If you keep cutting and giving them the fresh plant you don't need to keep a potted plant in there. Make sure you put in some sticks for them to make their cocoons on.

[DawnMumsnet]

Hi, we're moving this thread (and all the caterpillars) over to our Gardening topic at the OP's request.

[CeridwensCottage]

There is no need to panic about the ragwort. It is only poisonous if significant quantities are eaten and animals tend to avoid it due to the taste. It’s an important plant for insects. You might want to keep it under control by digging out excess plants, but there’s no need to fear it.

You can keep the caterpillars in their containers by putting a bit of net curtain over the top of the jar or whatever. Like a previous poster suggested, put some twigs in so they can have something to anchor their cocoons on.

[McFugget]

Or what about one of those mesh cake covers? Would still let the air circulate. I was wondering the same thing myself, about protecting the caterpillars in my garden, then found out they were sawfly larvae.