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Published by Cirsium
02-14-2009 |
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#1
By
Leslie
on
02-15-2009, 09:45 PM
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![]() Interesting article - I liked it. Thanks!!
What about protecting caterpillars from predators? Any suggestions? I also have the problem of frequent aerial spraying for mosquitoes. Can you suggest a way that I might protect my butterflies & cats from this? I have a grove of young sassafras growing partially under some tall pine trees. According to http://www.butterfliesandmoths.org/s...e=22*Louisiana, spicebush cats come out of their leaf blankets to feed at night on the sassafras, right when those horrid planes are spewing poison from the skies. :mad: |
#2
By
Cirsium
on
02-17-2009, 02:03 AM
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![]() Thank you.
![]() One thing that can be done to protect caterpillars is to place a physical barrier over the host plant after you see caterpillars on it. Something like one of the very light shade cloths, or even fiberglass window screen. You could make a square with wooden or plastic stakes to hold the shade cloth. Or use one of those wire tomato cages with screen wrapped around it. Select a kind of cloth or screen that allows plenty of light and air through. Light is good for the plant and the caterpillars. That kind of protection is probably a good idea for the first year or two while the butterflies get established in your new butterfly habitat. But don't let this become a burden. It does require frequent attention so that the newly emerged butterflies aren't held in the screened area for too long. And, of course, butterflies can't lay any new eggs on the host plant while it's screened. Remember that you are creating a complete butterfly habitat. Some predation is natural in any habitat. Once established, the butterflies are capable of making it on their own. It can be disturbing to see one of the butterflies or caterpillars become food for another species, but nature will keep things in balance if the habitat is right. "Spewing poisons from the skies" is not one of nature's works of course. I don't know of any practical way to protect the butterflies and caterpillars from this kind of human action. Stopping the spraying is the only really good solution. The best I can offer is to see if you can generate some citizen opposition to the spraying. Perhaps you and your neighbors could convince the powers that be to at least stop spraying in your neighborhood. The dangers of pesticides, especially to children, can be a powerful argument. |
#3
By
BooBooBearBecky
on
07-27-2009, 12:53 AM
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![]() Nice article Circium. Very thorough. How to keep a butterfly happy through the complete lifecycle was a great approach, and I have to admit, hadn't given much thought to. I'll pay more attention from now about providing native plants throughout the entire lifecycle.
BooBooBearBecky |
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