SPRING and SUMMER PUPAE You can order these NOW in advance

Giant Atlas Moth Attacus atlas

There is a shortage this winter. We are sending out as and when received.

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.

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.
   

Gonimbrasia zambezina Africa

Subterranean pupa. Stock fresh in from Africa. The moth is large and beautifully marked in shades of grey, red and yellow, with prominent eye-spots. Foodplants need confirming but larvae may take to several different trees. These have been reported: Oak, Oleander, Persimmon, Sumac & Brazilian Pepper.