Tips for Rearing Anise Swallowtail Caterpillars at home or in the classroom:
Collect caterpillars from host/food plants in your garden (parsley, fennel, dill).
Use a screened habitat with freshly cut parsley or fennel stems in water; protect caterpillars from falling in the water.
Fun and easy to raise with kids - they have a scent gland on their head that will protrude to emit a pungent odor as a warning against predators.
Never touch or move a caterpillar not in forward motion. As shown in the photo above, the caterpillar may be preparing to molt or pupate, which if interrupted could cause death.
Late season caterpillars may overwinter as chrysalides with butterflies emerging in the spring. Your patience may be rewarded.
Recently emerged adults need 1-3 hours to dry their wings. They don't handle captivity well; release them after they start to become active in the holding cage.
(source: google/http://www.kidsgrowingstrong.org)
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