WINTER PUPAE for breeding in 2014
Additions will be made in this section when we can list pupae for supply this autumn. Some species are in short supply and this is an opportunity to place your order NOW to be sure of stock as soon as it comes in.
Scarce Swallowtail Iphiclides podalirius
A small number of pupae available immediately. Increasingly difficult to obtain. The larvae feed on Blackthorn. Most people find this species difficult to breed but it is a joy to have them emerge at home, and worth trying to breed.
The Festoon Zerynthia polyxena
A delicate spring butterfly in the Swallowtail family Papilionidae. The larvae (which are like minatures of Birdwing larvae) feed on Birthwort Aristolochia clematitis.
Spicebush Swallowtail Papilio troilus
A large swallowtail from the Eastern parts of
Duke of Burgundy Fritillary Hamearis lucina Larvae
A very attractive pupae, speckled and hairy! Curious oval larvae like those of the Blues, but not green like those, more a straw colour, with rows of black dots. They live on Primrose or Polyanthus leaves. Not difficult to rear on a potted plant. Resulting pupae have similar colouring and pattern. Store the pupae in a fridge until May when the delightful butterflies emerge. Very seldom available.
Oak Hawk Marumba quercus pupae sold in pairs
A very special European rarity. We have just a few pupae of this much sought after species. Pairings are not difficult. The larvae feed on Oaks, with a preference for Evergreen Oaks.
Eyed Hawk Smerinthus ocellata
Pupae are stored cool for the winter. Lay them out in April for May emergence. Pairings extremely easy. Larvae feed on Apple, Willows and Sallows. The larvae do best on living foodplant because these plants do not last well in water. Very attractive larvae, highly camouflaged with silvery markings on green, and very streamlined. Single brooded. The moth has beautiful hindwings which it flashes if disturbed. Huge eyespots brightly coloured with magenta and blue. Highly recommended.
Broad-bordered Bee Hawk Hemaris fuciformis
Pupae difficult to obtain.
During the winter keep the dormant pupae cool. The adults emerge in June. The wings are covered with very loose grey scales on the freshly emerged moths. When they fly, the scales are flung off, leaving clear areas, more like the wings of bees and wasps. Provide breeding adults with nectar flowers, and sprigs of Honeysuckle leaves for egg-laying. This is a very special species – one that will give a lot of pleasure.
Bedstraw Hawk Hyles gallii
A rare visitor to
Spurge Hawk Hyles euphorbiae
The dormant pupae are kept cool for the winter. Adults emerge in June/July. Provide nectar flowers and potted Spurge plants for egg-laying. The best Spurges are Cypress Spurge (cyparissias), Wood Spurge, Sea Spurge, and the annual Sun or Petty Spurges are all suitable. Eggs are laid in clutches near the tips. The young larvae are black and cluster. Soon they take on amazing spots and stripes of yellow, red, white and green. Some of the most colourful larvae in the world.
Light Crimson Underwing Catocala promissa 10 eggs
Rarer than sponsa, the larvae feed also on Oak. Store the eggs in the fridge for the winter: bring them into room temperature when you have young leaves to feed them on. We recommend sleeving them on growing foodplant. Moths are produced in mid-late summer. An opportunity to rear a very special species! Order early – supplies are limited.
Small Lappet Phyllodesma tremulifolia
This species is almost identical to our ?extinct Small Lappet Moth and a perfect miniature of the Lappet Moth: both species are so like a tight bunch of autumn leaves that they rank amongst examples of the world's cleverest camouflage. Larvae feed on Oak Quercus, Birch Betula, Poplars Populus, Ash Fraxinus, Sorbus, Willows and Sallows Salix,
Puss Moth Dicranura vinula
An absolute favourite of seasoned breeders, yet ideal for beginners. The cocoons are formed on bark and are harder than bark. Moths emerge in May. Pairings are easy, no foodplant or flowers necessary. Eggs are laid on the cage or box, in considerable numbers. The larvae are amazing, with twin tails which eject fine scarlet flagellae when the larva is disturbed. The large larva has a fearsome “face” and a characteristic saddle of purple, on bright green. This species is amongst the most curious larvae in the world.