So you want to Start Raising Monarch Butterflies? Your Journey Begins here…
Welcome to Raising Monarchs 101
If you’re new to the exciting world of raising monarch butterflies, you probably have a few initial questions about how to get started on this amazing journey?
Here are a few quick tips and suggestions to get you raising in the right direction:
1. Milkweed First
Fresh milkweed is essential to growing monarchs so it’s best to have a few varieties established in your garden before you start raising butterflies.
You’ll first need it to attract egg-laying butterflies to your garden. However, if you only have a couple plants on hand, you’ll likely run out of milkweed to feed your caterpillars…not a fun experience! 😱
There are over 30 milkweed species to consider growing from native, to perennial, to annual, depending on your region and growing preferences.
Of course, pesticides should never be used on host plants you’ll be using to feed caterpillars.
While you’re considering milkweed options, learn about the monarch butterfly life cycle and what you’ll need to start raising monarchs from tiny egg to magnificent butterfly…
2. A Step by Step Guide
2026 Course Coming Soon
One of first things you’ll need is a caterpillar cage that keeps baby caterpillars in, and small monarch predators out. The most common question I get is…
3. What type of caterpillar cage should I use? Check out this post for info on the cages that have brought us the most success:
Is your Caterpillar Cage Killing Monarch Butterflies?
If you opt for the preferred mesh cages, this is probably your next question…
4. Which caterpillar habitat size fits my raising needs?
a. I would suggest the small butterfly cage (15″ x 15″ x 24″) if you’re:
- starting out and not sure if this is the right hobby for you
- prefer raising less caterpillars at one time (up to 10)
- have limited space floor/table space
- prefer to raise on tall cuttings or small potted plants
Get a Small Butterfly Cage Here
b. I would suggest a large caterpillar cage (24″ x 24″ x 36″) if you’re:
- confident this is a hobby you will continue for seasons to come
- prefer the option to raise more caterpillars at one time (up to 20)
- prefer to raise larvae on potted milkweed plants
Get a Large Butterfly Cage Here
5. Check out some raising accessories that make growing butterflies easier, so you can sit back and enjoy watching the amazing process of monarch metamorphosis.
Raising Supplies suggestions for getting started:
- Floral Tubes w/ Holding Racks– floral tubes help keep milkweed leaf and stem cuttings fresh for caterpillars. The racks keep the floral tubes secure and upright and also spread out monarch caterpillars to avoid overcrowding
- 14″ Caterpillar Cage Liners (soft, bendable platter)– if you purchase a small caterpillar cage I recommend this removable cage liner for easier cage cleaning of poop/frass and to give the cage a more solid floor for better portability.
OR
- 14″ CLEAR Cage Liner ⬅️ (hard support platter for small cage)
- 21″ CLEAR Cage Liner ⬅️ (hard support platter for large cage )if you purchase a baby cube or tall baby cage I recommend this removable cage liner for easier cage cleaning and to give the cage a solid floor for better portability.
- LED Magnifier– to clearly see tiny monarch eggs, baby caterpillars, and other tiny insects
- Monarch Eggs or Caterpillars?– If you can’t wait for mama monarch to lay eggs on your milkweed, check out these recommended vendors
- More supply suggestions on our raising resources page
Hopefully, the tips, information and raising supply suggestions posted here will help you avoid many of the raising pitfalls I have encountered over the past 40 years so you can successfully start growing monarchs through this amazing transformation
It’s time to set sail on your journey…Happy Raising! 🌿🐛😊
Have a kinda weird question. My son has successfully done this (do I say “breed Monarchs?) but he moved from North Carolina back to California so he doesn’t have a lot of what he used before. His birthday is coming–I was wondering where I can buy whatever things he needs to do more of this–we both really believe in helping Monarchs survive.
Hi Dorie, raising monarchs is bringing in eggs/caterpillars from milkweed outdoors. Breeding butterflies is keeping them in captivity so they mate and lay eggs in mass (which we don’t recommend for multiple reasons that can negatively impact butterfly health). For a list of suggested supplies for raising monarchs check out our: Top Raising Supply suggestions Happy Raising!
Hello again!
I have read a lot about milkweed emergencies and people meaning well but then hosting too many at one time and them getting sick, etc.
I tried not to do that!!! I have worked a long time with caterpillars and I know some of the plights…
The one place I was able to find milkweed in my work complex was mowed. I almost cried and I panicked. Everywhere I go I am looking on the sides of the road… I have found some places that I will have to visit late at night even though I don’t think it will be enough… but I am wondering:
I purchased/grew a bunch of milkweed this year. I have been using it for cuttings, however, the ladies I have released (12 early in the summer) have literally laid eggs on every one of the 36 small plants that I have so each time I cut I end up with more eggs. The ones that have hatched outside are demolishing what I do have left.
Since bringing in cuttings means removing the eggs on that cutting, how can I possibly avoid having too many!? I am even trying to bring home entire plants to feed the giants that are fending for themselves outside! What happens when they run out? I feel like this is a whole new dimension to the milkweed emergency, I feel like I cannot win at any angle.
Hi Alison, in a healthy ecosystem, not all monarchs survive. Raise a few, raise them well, and let the others fend for themselves outside. If your milkweed supply is too low, I would focus on that first. It will make your efforts to support future monarchs much less stressful…
Hi I had about 10 caterpillars on my 3 milkweed plants. they ate very well and left the plants. one cocooned and there were 3 hanging like j’s this morning but gone when I got home. we have no wasps and normal amount of ants but nothing on the plants in the garden. I can’t find the caterpillars now. it’s like they’ve disappeared. should I fear the worst or look somewhere I havnt thought of. I’ve been keeping an eye on them as much as I can. I didn’t want to bring them inside bc they were doing so well. Any ideas?
Large instar 5 caterpillars will crawl off to form chrysalides, but smaller caterpillars were likely found by a growing list of: Monarch Predators
I have Monarch cats inside and 3 have been at the top of the container since last night, but do not appear to be attaching. How long do they stay at the top before beginning to form the chrysalis? Two are on the zipper and I cannot open the cage to clean.
Hi Phyllis, they can take a while (24 hours or more) to form a chrysalis after crawling away from the milkweed. I suggest using a side opening cage for future raising…much less likely to be in a situation where you can’t open the cage.
Hi Tony! Thanks for replying. I just wanted to let you know that I bought your book & am currently reading it but I have a big problem. I’m hoping you can help me. I brought in10 monarch eggs a week ago. All 10 hatched & the caterpillars were doing fine – until yesterday. 4 of them died. Just looks like they shriveled up. I feel SO SO bad. FYI – I have milkweed stems in floral tubes for them to eat. Now 2 more aren’t looking so hot. They are not moving around and not eating. Can you please tell me what I am doing wrong? Thanking you in advance.
Hi Margie, it’s hard to say for sure from the information, but it could be a bacterial/viral issue. Always make sure leaves/cuttings are thoroughly rinsed with water before serving to caterpillars:
Monarch Diseases and Parasites
Tony, I had one of those days where I was wondering about methods to clean the cage from all the caterpillar poop. Then I found it! It’s a small handheld, rechargeable computer keyboard vacuum. It is amazing and completes the task so quickly, maneuvering around the tubes and on the floor. One of the great parts about this little vacuum is where the stuff is captured. Just remove the head and it’s right there to empty. If you suck up a baby caterpillar by mistake, he’s just fine. No blades, no impellers to injure the little guy.
thanks for the tip Tom!
When I bring milkweed in and put it in water, it immediately goes limp. How can I keep the milkweed turgid for the caterpillars?
Hi Julie, check out our info on using stem cuttings:
Milkweed Stem Cuttings
hi Margie, that’s enough room, especially for hatchlings. Give it a day or two and you should see holes in the leaves…the first week, they don’t eat much. It’s the second where they start munching like crazy. good luck!
Thank you for your quick response to my urgent questions, Tony!
Yes, the answers have helped and I’m sure they will be invaluable to others as well. These amazing creatures deserve the best chance they can get and your expertise in providing these answers will make me feel more at peace when I do plan their release.
Thanks again, Tony.
Hello Tony,
I currently have eleven monarch chrysalides in your butterfly cages and one anise swallowtail chrysalis in a cube all by itself. I have looked through your blog and could not find answers to these specific release questions. Can you help me? The chrysalides are expected to eclose this week and I want to do right by all of these butterflies-to-be.
1. Given temperatures above 65 degrees, ho w late in the day can an eclosed butterfly be released after its wings have been allowed approximately three hours to dry (including time in the sun)? I am in the Southeast (Asheville NC)
2. If the current temperature and other conditions are acceptable BUT a thunderstorm (50% or higher) chance is expected later in the evening, would it be better to hold off until the next day?
3. What are your recommendations for release if rain is expected for several days in a row (temperatures 60 degrees and above even at night)? Is it better to keep a butterfly in a cage and feed it or to find a break in the rain and have it released? I know that the 2nd generation butterflies don’t have long to live and they need to head up north so I need help knowing how to make the best of the time they have.
4. Would windy conditions (but temperatures above 65) be something that would delay a release? By “windy”, how many MPH would be too high for a butterfly first released? Anything 12 or 13 mph, less or more than that?
Thank you, Tony. Your mesh cages have been great. I also purchased your book a few years ago (2015).
hi Gloria, answers to your questions below:
1. 3 hours sounds reasonable for release
2. Sure, it never hurts to keep them an extra night as they’ll be strong flyers the next day
3. I would look for a ‘window’ of time when you have a few hours of no rain for release…if that doesn’t happen, I’d keep them until the weather improves.
4. Windy is fine if it’s sunny…if it’s cold, windy, cloudy, I’d wait.
hope this helps…
I just want to add a tip about giving monarch caterpillars water. Mine seem to absolutely love water. I think it mimics morning dew or something. I spritz the milkweed a couple times a day and the cats will literally suck up the beads of water gladly!
Just a helpful tip that might help cats thrive better. Some say that they get all the moisture they need from the milkweed, but I beg to differ since they go crazy over water when I give it to them!
Hope this helps whoever is new to raising.
Erin
Hi Erin, I’m a strong proponent of hydrating ALL species of caterpillars you raise. I think it’s one of the main reasons we rarely have issues with caterpillar health. Too those that disagree, I challenge them: try eating all your meals for two weeks without any water and see how you feel? ? More raising tips here
I am totally new to monarchs since I have potted milkweed plants outside my kitchen window and a number of months ago, caterpillars showed up! I was so excited and there have been many over the time, but I have never been able to see a chrysalis until now.
A caterpillar actually made his way from the milkweed plants, up the wall, to attach himself on the frame of the kitchen window.
I am so anxious for his well-being as the window faces west and the afternoon sun is very strong here in Southern California.
I am thinking of taping some newspaper over him to protect him from the elements.
Please help me save this wonderful creature.
Thanks!
Tony,
From a recent chrysalis, an interesting monarch butterfly eclosed. The wing tips were translucent. Huh?
The butterfly acted as if it could not hold on to the chrysalis but actually I believe its wind was stuck on the chrysalis. Poor thing. Have you seen a translucent like wings before?
Hi Elizabeth, it’s hard to say from your description, but if the butterfly was weak or stuck inside the chrysalis, this sounds like heavy OE infection
Tony, My milkweed is growing but some of my plants have twisted leaves at the top. I noticed this last year as well. What causes this? We don’t use pesticides.
Nancy
Hi Nancy, check out the info on:
Milkweed Weevils
I saw my first Monarch today and she layed her first egg on the bottome of the leaf! I’ve planted milkweed for years and last year I had 9 chrysalis but only 2 hatched 🙁 This year I bought the baby cube and supplies and I’m very excited about “growing” butterflies. When do I put the milkweed clippings in the tubes? I’ve only seen one Monarch so far and only one egg. Can’t wait!
Hi Kathy, here’s info about bringing in eggs:
Hunting & Gathering Monarch Eggs
Tony, in the above picture of the green cage, the milkweed is in a pot looking stem holder, but it looks squatty, Is this something we can purchase? I like it!!
Hi Doris, that’s one of our floral tube picks stuck inside a food container. More info here:
Using Stem Cuttings to Feed Caterpillars
Thank you, Tony. I’m going to keep them in their cups and hope they’re big enough!
First time raising monarchs and i’ve purchased the mesh cage. I’m in New Orleans where we’re currently having very warm days and cool nights. Is it best to keep them indoors? My husband is worried the AC will be too much for them and the humidity is obviously much better outside. Currently, they are in a guest bathroom as we have 3 nosy cats.
Hi Marisa, we typically raise ours in a 3-season porch with natural levels of heat/humidity but have raised indoors without issue. Our A/C is typically at 75-78° F…if you have colder temps it will likely slow down metamorphosis. If it’s cold AC, I’d open the window in the guest bathroom and shut the vent…
I am raising monarchs for the first time ever after buying a few milkweed plants at a local nursery. As a total novice, this site has been tremendously helpful. All 16 of the eggs we brought inside have hatched into healthy caterpillars and we now have our first chrysalides! But I’m concerned the containers they are formed in might be too small. I’ve read an individual container should be at least 4 inches deep to accommodate the butterfly’s wings, but what about width? I have single chrysalides in 32 oz clear plastic drinking cups that are about 4.5 inches wide on top and 6.5 inches tall but taper to about 2.5 inches wide on the bottom (so a little taller but narrower than a 32 oz deli container). Do you think the cups are large enough, or should I move the chrysalides? Thank you so much!
Hi Brittany, these are some options for rehanging chrysalides if you think the containers won’t work:
Rehanging Monarch Chrysalides
Hey Tony..So this is my second attempt at raising these beautiful creatures..I purchase a small pop up plant tent..Should I put branches on the roof of the enclosure or will the cats attach to plastic ? My 4 year old Granddaughter is enjoying this adventure along with me and hope our little friends make it !! We live in South Florida where it’s already getting hot..Any tips ? Thank you..
Hi Kathy, the caterpillars crawl up the sides of the cage when they are ready to form a chrysalis so no sticks or tall plants are necessary. In fact, I would probably avoid doing this to avoid ‘chrysalis tampering’ by other caterpillars. Good luck to you and your granddaughter!