Rearing Chambers

Rearing Chamber created by BioServe Space Technologies to house the monarch caterpillars aboard the International Space Station. Photo by Stefanie Countryman and Ryan Horn.

Monarch rearing chamber sent to a small number of schools invited to participate in the Monarchs in Space program. Photo by Stefanie Countryman and Ryan Horn.

Wow! The caterpillars have grown! They were 0.7 cm on day 1, and on day 6, they are 2.2 cm. We kept the caterpillars in the dark for 80 hours. When we finally put them under the lights, we installed a thermometer and hygrometer. The temperature is about 21º c and the humidity is 60%. Roosevelt, NJ

I got a 8x8x4 electric junction box at Home Depot. Cut out a window and covered with plexiglass. Put some roof vents in the side, pill box feeder inside along with cotton ball holder. Put some LED Christmas lights in the top that are on a timer. Also put a piece of balsa wood on the top. It wasn't cheap, but it's way cool! I will use it every year when we do our Monarch project! Photo 1 of 2, submitted by Scott D.

I got a 8x8x4 electric junction box at Home Depot. Cut out a window and covered with plexiglass. Put some roof vents in the side, pill box feeder inside along with cotton ball holder. Put some LED Christmas lights in the top that are on a timer. Also put a piece of balsa wood on the top. It wasn't cheap, but it's way cool! I will use it every year when we do our Monarch project! Photo 2 of 2, submitted by Scott D.