It's that time of year again, when the kids (and myself) get overly invested in the lifecycle of these grubs. Last year we managed maybe a 10% success rate (from egg to butterfly) hopefully we'll do better this time round.

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[–] liv@lemmy.nz 2 points 9 months ago (1 children)

They also eat moth vine so you can switch them to that.

The really big ones (after their moults) can finish off with pumpkin peelings!

You can plant South American Milkweed instead of swan plants, butterflies lay on that.

Giant Swanplants are bigger and hardier as well.

[–] Mojojojo1993@lemmy.world 2 points 9 months ago (1 children)

Where do I get moth vine and giant swan ?.

[–] liv@lemmy.nz 1 points 9 months ago* (last edited 9 months ago) (1 children)

Giant Swan is found for sale, maybe the Moths and Butterfly Trust on Trademe is selling it?

Moth vine is a common pest plant, there's probably some in any suburban area your council can't reach with spray.

[–] Mojojojo1993@lemmy.world 2 points 9 months ago

Looks like giant swan is what I normally use. I don't live anywhere near suburban. But I'll be on the look out. Sounds like it dies off in the cold