Rearing Caterpillars

[loriannkayaker]

I recently found a Definite Tussock Moth caterpillar (or rather, it found me as it was crawling up my leg) and decided to "keep" it in a small terrarium and see if I could be there when it transformed into a moth.  It soon made a cocoon--but I missed the transformation.  I did get some great photos of the moth before releasing it.  And I kind of liked the experience . . . .

This brings me to a question about moths that pupate in the soil.  I found a very large (ready to pupate) Catalpa Sphinx moth caterpillar yesterday and I would like to see the moth.  If I fill the terrarium with soil will that be enough for the caterpillar?  How much depth of soil should I have? And what kind of soil?  The tree it was on has very sandy soil, as it is right by the river.  Does anyone have any experience with raising moths?  If so, please share any tips you may have.  I don't want this caterpillar to die, and if taking it back to it's host tree is the only way for it to live, then I will happily do it.  Thanks!  Lori

[Will Cook]

I don't know the answer to your question, but cool-looking caterpillar!

[loriannkayaker]

I decided to go ahead and give it some soil.  I didn't go all the way out (it is almost a mile down river) to the Catalpa trees, but I did get my brother to get me a couple shovels full of soil from the river front near the office.  I filled the terrarium with soil, placed a few Catalpa leaves on top in case it is still hungry (it had eaten quite a bit from Monday evening) and placed it on top.  It immediately started working its way around the container and started burrowing right next to the edge!  It stayed there for an hour or so and then I guess it decided it didn't want to pupate with six humans watching- -so it worked its way further into the center of the soil.  I really hope this works!  I will keep updating as the process continues.  Lori

[loriannkayaker]

Well, my caterpillar made it!  It pupated in the soil I put in its container and here is the "finished" product!  It took it 27 days to undergo its transformation--and now it is flying free!