CURRENT PUPAE - Chrysalides and cocoons

Giant Atlas Moth Attacus atlas

The largest moth in the world.  Winter cocoons are dormant. You can choose whether to incubate them or keep them cold until the spring. To get them to emerge, raise the temperature to 15 degrees C, and gradually up to 30 degrees C or more, and very humid. They need very warm and humid tropical conditions. When hot, soak the cocoons at least once or twice daily. 

It is probably better to keep them cool (8 -12 degrees C) and dormant until mid-April, or even May, then raise the temperature and humidity as described above.  They will respond better to summer conditions.

Pairing is achieved in a cage that is ample for the size of the moths but not so large that they can become too separated.

Larvae feed on Privet Ligustrum and are easily reared in warm and moist conditions.  Atlas larvae will also feed on Tree of Heaven Ailanthus, Osier Willow Salix viminalis, Citrus and undoubtedly a number of other substitute plants outside their normal habitat.

Attacus lorquinii - Philippines 

This species, endemic to the Philippines, is characterised by the prominent red lines and markings across the wings. 

You can choose whether to incubate them or keep them cold until the spring. To get them to emerge, raise the temperature to 15 degrees C, and gradually up to 30 degrees C or more, and very humid. They need very warm and humid tropical conditions. When hot, soak the cocoons at least once or twice daily. 

It is probably better to keep them cool (8 -12 degrees C) and dormant until mid-April, or even May, then raise the temperature and humidity as described above.  They will respond better to summer conditions.

Pairing is achieved in a cage that is ample for the size of the moths but not so large that they can become too separated.The larvae feed on Privet. They appreciate humidity and a temperature of at least 25 degrees C.

Owl Butterfly Caligo pupae South America

By any standards, these are huge butterflies, with impressive colouring and markings, both on the upperside and with the owl-like underside. The pupae will be unspecified species but will all produce magnificent and breath-taking butterflies.

Owl Butterflies fly at dusk and dawn in particular, so they like low light conditions.

The pupae are massive, pretty well as big as any other in the world. They are naturally formed on Banana trees, which are the foodplant of the larvae, and they resemble the spent and decaying banana fronds around the trunk. Hang the pupae in an emerging cage, out of the sun, but in warm and moist conditions. A greenhouse is ideal. Let the butterflies feed on dishes of rotting fruit and do include banana, which they really love.

Provide warmth and humidity that the pupae normally experience in the tropics and sub tropics. About 30°C is ideal, and humidity above 70%. The butterflies like a warm greenhouse containing nectar plants, and this is the best place also for the emerging cage for the pupae. Shade the cage from direct sun which is too harsh.

It’s a good idea to suspend the pupae. To do this, use a stick or wooden rod held horizontally. Apply a very thin line of contact adhesive eg Evostick along the rod. Lay the rod on a table and, when it is tacky but not yet set hard, touch the tails of the pupae on the line of glue. Warning: excess glue actually kills the pupa, so use just a very thin line. When the glue has set you can pick up the stick, with all the pupae hanging vertically from it.

If you don’t wish to suspend the pupae they can be laid on corrugated card. The surface must remain clean and rough. For hygiene the corrugated card needs to be replaced every few days.

Robin Moth Hyalophora cecropia North America

Now a species that is much more costly, and in great demand. We have been able to obtain some cocoons which are available now, 

This is a magnificent giant moth with most decorative larvae that are easy to rear, especially when sleeved. The moth will sit on your finger fanning its wings, like a pet!  Highly recommended. 

Winter is passed as cocoons. Keep them very cool until April. Their normal emergence time is in May. Pairing is easier than many of the giant silkmoths. There is one generation per year.

The larvae are most attractive and easily reared with careful hygiene. They do well sleeved outside in good weather. Osier Willow is the plant that succeeds best for us, and many breeders use Cherry.

Reported foodplants:  Lilac, Cherry, Pear, Apple, Acer, Plum, Alder, Birch, Dogwood, Willows especially Osier Salix viminalis, Elm, Beech, Gooseberry, Poplar. 

Privet is a potential evergreen foodplant that has been successful but winter rearing is much more difficult.

American Moon Moth Actias luna North America

A very attractive Moon Moth that emerges from May and breeds exceptionally easily.  The larvae feed well on Walnut, Birch, Osier Willow, Liquidambar, Plane, Maples, Aspen, Plum, Sallow,  Several kinds of Oak and maybe other foodplants.

A second brood is produced in late summer. Winter is passed in the cocoon stage. Store them cold from November until April. May is the normal emergence time for the first brood.

African Moon Moth Argema mimosae 

The moth is a miniature of the Giant Madagascan Moon Moth as a whole lot easier to breed!  Spray the cocoons daily, keep at about 25 degrees C, or a little more, and they start to emerge as they do in the rainy season.

Pairings are not automatic but not difficult. The larvae are most spectacular and they thrive on Eucalyptus, which is evergreen and therefore suitable for rearing in summer or winter. Other foodplants recorded: Liquidambar, Walnut, Sumac Rhus sp.