J Darcy 5,871 Posted June 22, 2008 Report Share Posted June 22, 2008 I have a few of these young elephant hawk caterpillars spare if anyone wants me to send them a couple. They feed only on willowherb and fushia and will require fresh leaves every day......they grow into an amazing sight with huge eye spots. Eventually pupating and next may a beautiful moth will emerge from its pupa.... drop me a PM if anyone wants half a dozen sending... Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Kay 3,709 Posted June 22, 2008 Report Share Posted June 22, 2008 I have a few of these young elephant hawk caterpillars spare if anyone wants me to send them a couple. They feed only on willowherb and fushia and will require fresh leaves every day......they grow into an amazing sight with huge eye spots. Eventually pupating and next may a beautiful moth will emerge from its pupa.... drop me a PM if anyone wants half a dozen sending... I dont want one as i wouldnt like it to die but what do they live in untill they fly away Quote Link to post Share on other sites
J Darcy 5,871 Posted June 22, 2008 Author Report Share Posted June 22, 2008 Eh?> Maybe i didnt explain correctly. The small larvae will live happily in a plastic box lined with kitchen towel. This must be changed every day as well as the food plant. However, there is another way and that is to cut the willowherb stem and place them into a jamjar full of wet compost (or soil) and then place this into a plant pot (for stability). the caterpillars will shed their skin about once a week and grow like hell . Once they pass a runny dropping and start "wandering" then its time to put them in a small box with a layer (3-4 inch) of peat as well as a few leaves if you so wish. HYere it will pupate. After a week or so you can them carefully unearth the pupa and either store it in the fridge or ina cool place such as a garage until the following spring. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
lurchergrrl 1,441 Posted June 22, 2008 Report Share Posted June 22, 2008 How very Silence of the Lambs I've got a fushia in the garden .... is that ok? No idea what willowherb is If the fushia is enough I'd love a couple. Kids would get a big kick out of it - we had some kind of caterpillar last year that turned into a moth, but it wasn't very fancy. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Kay 3,709 Posted June 22, 2008 Report Share Posted June 22, 2008 well i have a fushia but do they need feeding when they have died off (fushias ) Quote Link to post Share on other sites
fish 148 Posted June 22, 2008 Report Share Posted June 22, 2008 well i have a fushia but do they need feeding when they have died off (fushias )kay have a go its easy you will get hooked well done j darcy the more people that get interested the better better for the moths Quote Link to post Share on other sites
J Darcy 5,871 Posted June 22, 2008 Author Report Share Posted June 22, 2008 Two caterpillars would eat a full fushia, but they would be fully grown in about 3-4 weeks so the fushia would have plenty of leaves on it i should imagine. Two fushias would be better for these really eat. pm me an address and i will pop a couple in the post... Quote Link to post Share on other sites
mackem 30,259 Posted June 22, 2008 Report Share Posted June 22, 2008 What would the postage be on a couple of elephants Quote Link to post Share on other sites
will.f11 24 Posted June 22, 2008 Report Share Posted June 22, 2008 I would give it a go but im not sure on the survial rate Quote Link to post Share on other sites
J Darcy 5,871 Posted June 22, 2008 Author Report Share Posted June 22, 2008 The survival rate will be high as they are in their second instar (skin) at the mo. The main thing to remember is to not mess with them when they are moulting, and to provide fresh food each day. This is what they will eventually turn into ...this is their final stage as a caterpillar. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
will.f11 24 Posted June 22, 2008 Report Share Posted June 22, 2008 The survival rate will be high as they are in their second instar (skin) at the mo. The main thing to remember is to not mess with them when they are moulting, and to provide fresh food each day. I dont think I will manage it. I will have a think..... Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Kay 3,709 Posted June 22, 2008 Report Share Posted June 22, 2008 I will have a go then as i have a big fushia & it will be great to see it develop Quote Link to post Share on other sites
lurchergrrl 1,441 Posted June 22, 2008 Report Share Posted June 22, 2008 Alright Kay, we'll have a go together. I've pm'd JD my addy. The kids will be well excited about this. Kay - you show me yours, I'll show you mine. TEEHEEHEE! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
J Darcy 5,871 Posted June 22, 2008 Author Report Share Posted June 22, 2008 Alright Kay, we'll have a go together. I've pm'd JD my addy. The kids will be well excited about this. Kay - you show me yours, I'll show you mine. TEEHEEHEE! GULP! I think i better be judge.... Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Kay 3,709 Posted June 22, 2008 Report Share Posted June 22, 2008 Alright Kay, we'll have a go together. I've pm'd JD my addy. The kids will be well excited about this. Kay - you show me yours, I'll show you mine. TEEHEEHEE! Oh course i will show you mine Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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