Leopard Moth

[Tonypace2009]

I caught two of these as caterpillars and have been raising them. one emerged from cocoon last week and the other is still in cocoon stage. I wasn't expecting them to emerge this quick I guess maybe I was supposed to put them in cooler temperatures so they would emerge in warmer spring? I know nothing about raising caterpillars this is my first time to try them. From my understanding they emerge mate and die in a short time? We are on the verge of freezing weather through this next week so I haven't released it out side and today she laid her eggs which I guess are not viable. Where do I get information on caterpillars and moths specifically this species. The two things I do know about them is they are beautiful and as caterpillars they eat a lot. any any info about raising these would be helpful.

Our landlord gets crazy with round up every other year so rescued these two before there food supply was destroyed or the were exposed to the round up. I was planing on raising them to spring then releasing them but it looks like it doesn't work that way.

 

[KevinsWither]

I am wanting to see if I can get into rearing moths. What food plants do these eat? 

 

[Tonypace2009]

These were eating clover next to my porch until the roundup incident. Once inside I feed them romaine lettuce in which they eat a full leaf a night between two of them. I just filled the bottom of tall container with long strand moss with a stick leaned up to the top.They excavated out a chamber in the bottom of the container where they retreated to each day. I haven't found much info on raising moths so I am learning as I go.I think I already messed up by keeping them to warm into winter.

 

[CosbyArt]

@Tonypace2009 Sorry to hear information is so sparse on rearing them. The members that could have helped with moths haven't been online since a few months after joining, LilBuggie (and family) and Crystal5937 (and family as well) in particular. Crystal5937 was very knowledgeable on the topic, and is worth sending her a PM to see if you get a response anyway.

 

[Tonypace2009]

@Tonypace2009 Sorry to hear information is so sparse on rearing them. The members that could have helped with moths haven't been online since a few months after joining, LilBuggie (and family) and Crystal5937 (and family as well) in particular. Crystal5937 was very knowledgeable on the topic, and is worth sending her a PM to see if you get a response anyway.

Thanks 

 

[Sticky]

I am jealous!! I would love to raise them!

 

[Tonypace2009]

I am jealous!! I would love to raise them!

They were a neat experience with beautiful end results. I didn't originally realize what type of moth the caterpillar grew into until the other week. This is the first time to ever see these moths as adult. I have seen the caterpillars for years even as a kid yet this is the first time to see them as moths. My original plan was to release them but I messed up and kept them to warm. Next time I think I will keep them in a screened in terrarium outside on the back porch so they will mature at the right time of season.

 

[Salmonsaladsandwich]

Giant leopard moths are a very easy species, they eat just about anything.