Butterfly and Caterpillar Care

Purpose: To care for the various stages of butterflies, moths and host plants that are in on display at TOC.

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Collect milkweed from our garden or from fields in the Sioux Falls area.
• Scan milkweed leaves for eggs or larvae.
• Care for butterfly eggs, larvae, chrysalis and adults. May care for moths as well.
• Release adults as needed.
• Tag monarchs in the fall.
• Care of any nectar plants that may be needed for the adults.

Requirements/Skills:

• Attend a butterfly care class to learn proper handling procedures.
• Ability to walk in the fields if interested in collecting milkweed, eggs, larvae or tag monarchs in the fall.
• Specific commitment to care for butterflies on a regular basis.
• Able to gently handle the small eggs and larvae.
• Able to gently handle larvae, chrysalis and adults.
• Provide care of host plants that are part of the display.

Training Required:

• Volunteer Orientation
• Butterfly Care Class-length of class approximately one hour. Will be held as needed to provide adequate care for our butterflies.
• Field training will be provided while collecting the specimens or tagging of the monarchs in the fall.

Time Commitment:

• A minimum of 2-3 hour shift per month. Prefer a weekly commitment.
• Need to care for the butterflies before noon if possible so they have time to digest their food before evening.

Benefits:

• A peaceful, enjoyable atmosphere to mingle with fellow butterfly enthusiasts.
• Able to work on your own or in small groups.
• Become part of a specialized team of volunteers with unique knowledge and skills.
• Enjoyment of watching the miraculous metamorphosis of butterflies and moths.
• Opportunity to experience the thrill of tagging monarchs and then waiting to hear if they are found in Mexico.
• Increase your knowledge of butterflies and moths and the plants they prefer.

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