There is a concern expressed by enthusiasts who want to remove the head capsule from a molting/molted caterpillar. Should you? Or not?
There are two beliefs on this. One belief is that, if it molted and can’t get its head capsule off, an enthusiast should remove it to allow it to eat and grow. The other belief is that, if it didn’t take it off naturally, removing it and allowing it to live and lay mate may pass on a defective gene, one that may have interfered with the molting process.
There is a challenge to be sure that it has finished molting. Removing it too soon will kill it. If it has been observed molting and it has been a while with the head capsule still on its mouth, what do you think?
What are your thoughts? Please comment below.
Butterfly Fun Facts 
I think that you should leave it alone. You might kill it anyway, if you try to “help” it. I know it may sound cruel to some, but leaving it alone also insures that you won’t be helping a weaker gene to breed.
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Mother Nature always knows best…I would probably NOT help the molting process therefore allowing Mother Nature to take her course.
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Hi Edith! I’ve so enjoyed reading your posts! I released 21 Monarchs and several swallowtails this year and I am a novice! I find your info very interesting!
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Congratulations! It’s so satisfying to raise and release them back out into nature.
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