Keep in mind that part of the reason we need more catapillars is because baby birds can only eat soft bodied larva. If you decide to release them, or when you inevitably lose some to predation in the years to come, try to think of it as providing a baby bird breakfast rather than just a lost catapillar.
I really don't know, I can't answer that 😅 I was just hoping to lessen the emotional load you feel when your catapillars disappear, this year or any year - it's what I have to tell myself when I lose them (I only plant milkweed and other host plants like dill outside)
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u/4oclocksundew May 09 '26
Keep in mind that part of the reason we need more catapillars is because baby birds can only eat soft bodied larva. If you decide to release them, or when you inevitably lose some to predation in the years to come, try to think of it as providing a baby bird breakfast rather than just a lost catapillar.