Enclosure for Rearing Polytes Caterpillars@Larvae

 After reading, experimenting and watching youtubes on how to rear butterfly larvae, I finally came across a method, well cheap one that is being implemented in one research laboratory for genetic study. It employs the transparent drinking cup where I introduce slight modification as to maintain humidity and ample ventilation. The lid can be tightly sealed the top with a hole in the middle that is barred with mesh for ventilation. While at the bottom, the curry plant is wrapped with wet cotton, not too wet that can allow the growth of mold or fungus; as to help maintain the humidity in the middle and bottom part of the enclosure approximately 85-90%. This is to imitate the study by Jaafar & Huzair (2013). Ventilation at the top of the enclosure is to ensure a good transfer of heat and air circulation as to keep the curry plant fresh. So far, the caterpillars thrive well and growing with no problem of molting. 

 

You can see the plant wrapped in wet cotton to maintain humidity at the bottom and the middle of the enclosure. Observe how big the poops@excreta of the caterpillar! Fuh!

 You can see the lid with hole in mesh and tested for humidity and temperature. All values are within the range in line with Jaafar & Huzair (2013)