We found this little guy on our tomato plant yesterday and I knew he had to go!
But Sam did not want to get rid of him or just put him on another plant. We had to bring him inside!
So, I found the biggest glass jar that we had on hand and drilled a few small holes in the top.
The caterpillar is called a Tobacco Hornworm and it will eventually turn into the Carolina Sphinx Moth. I am really hoping we will be able to keep him alive and see the whole transformation.
So far we have just been experimenting with what he likes to eat. The tomato plant branch that we broke off in order to bring him inside safely seems to be his favorite so far. Sam is really hoping the maple leaves will start being eaten too, she put those in there. She also really wants to try grass so we may have to add some of that tomorrow.
I see caterpillar crafts and books in my future!
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The Nitty Gritty!
While I don't think it is necessary to bring insects and animals into your house to learn about them and observe them it can be very useful for children as young as infants to have animals in their home.
I believe (and I don't have any real research to back this up just personal experiences) that having pets to play with, observe, care for and just be around helps small children learn gentleness and compassion for other things. My girls help me to brush our dog, play with her, feed her dinner some days and love chasing her around the house. But they have also learned not to play with her food, pull on her tail or poke her in the face. They know that there are limits to what you can do to animals.
We also have a frog in our home right how which Sam is responsible for feeding (with supervision from Chris!). Both girls love watching "Freddy" swim around and eat his food.
Having pets isn't necessary but I really think it goes a long way to helping kids learn how to interact with animals and appreciate the world around them!
We caught one of these last summer in grandma's garden. Unfortunately, we had no luck keeping it - it pooped so much it filled up its container every day. Wish you better luck - I'd love to see the transformation, too!
Posted by: Debi | 07/26/2011 at 05:52 PM
awesome we have seen one of those cocoon and turn. Our favorite caterpillar turned into a beautiful Luna Moth.
Posted by: Nature Tales and Trails | 07/26/2011 at 06:05 PM
Very cool and a wonderful experience for your kids. We've been wanting to get some cocoons for the kids to watch transform into butterflies. They've been really into bugs lately.
Posted by: T Rex Mom | 07/27/2011 at 04:45 PM
Wow.. Is really amazing. It is so impressive art and also very attractive and useful for you child. It is so wonderful.
Posted by: Botox In Cheshire | 07/31/2011 at 08:45 PM
caterpillar is a great pets, lovely idea. It is really very cute and nice. I really impressed by that.
Posted by: convert to wmv | 11/29/2011 at 11:26 PM
Very cute and pretty. I really love all king of caterpillar.
Posted by: seo solution | 12/09/2011 at 06:06 AM