The female swallowtail butterflies are out and about, busily laying eggs on suitable host plants.
The temptation to take as many eggs and caterpillars as possible into the insect enclosure to protect them from parasites and predators is great. However, it is absolutely essential to keep in mind that the caterpillars double their food intake with every molt. Therefore, it is vital to cultivate enough host plants and not to overdo it!
When in doubt, switch to a larger insect enclosure so that more host plants can fit inside. In an Aerarium L (60 x 60 x 90 cm) or Aerarium X (e.g., 50 x 50 x 96 cm), several pots can easily fit side by side.
[Photo: Reto Künzler, Bern]
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