I found some caterpillars on the playground, how do I keep them alive?

Question

I work at a daycare and we have a tree covered in caterpillar nests. I decided to save some that were close to death (aka being stepped on by two year olds). I brought about 25 home in a large plastic box with leaves, grass and sticks. I read up and researched that they are eastern tent caterpillars. Should I just put them in a tree and see what happens, or should I put them back where I got them? Or, should I keep them in the plastic box?

Answer 1

I normally do not suggest killing things but tent caterpillars are dreadful. Whoever owns the building wherever you work, needs to get someone to fumigate them from the tree because tent caterpillars thrive on fruit tree leaves and will strip the tree bare and will be back even more in the same area next year if not eradicated now. We do everything we can to keep them out of our state. Let the kids squash them all. No kidding.

Answer 2

Just so you know, the tent caterpillars are really destructive (maybe that is what you meant by, "I know about fruit trees and all that jazz"), and if your son does manage to keep it alive, it will probably end up contributing to a lot of damage to trees, as it reproduces as an adult. So, of course, you would know that they eat tree leaves. I have always been the one to keep anything my kids found, and might have even tried to keep one of these, but they are really destructive, even killing trees. Has your son ever found or kept any other caterpillars? I think I have heard of a website that offers eggs or some such thing for butterflies. . . if you can find that, maybe you could "import" eggs or a catterpillar that might be a better prospect, and hopefully, come with directions. I love to encourage kids to learn about and enjoy nature. Hope you find the information you need either way. Another insect that can sometimes be intriguing, is the pillbug (rolly-pollys), as they close up in little balls when frightened. They aren't as cute as catterpillars, but could be interesting. I think they eat decaying roots. Good luck in your search, for the one you have, or whatever else your son might find of interest.

Answer 3

tent caterpillars are ugly little worm like things that kill the branches they are in. You may need lots of leaves and branches for them if they eat that much in their natural state.

Answer 4

Putting them out, would be a good idea, but be sure that you find a environment that suits them well, you can find out more here
http://www.uky.edu/Ag/Entomology/entfacts/trees/ef423.htm
Bare in mind that this site is not sharing your idea of saving the Little fellows.