| In order to grow
your own caterpillars, you will first need to obtain a fertile
female moth. Female moths generally have smaller antennas and
larger bodies than males. They are best found during the spring
around porch lights. After catching one, put it into a paper
bag over night, in order to obtain some eggs.
Keep the eggs in a small plastic container.
The eggs will generally hatch in 7 to 10 days. Once the eggs
hatch, surround them with tree leaves. With proper maintenance
the larvae will grow and begin to form a cocoon in a little
over a month. Let them sit for one week, then place the container
in a refrigerator until the following spring. When the time
comes, let the container sit for approximately 3 weeks at a
temperature of at least 70 degrees. The moths will then emerge
from their cocoons. They have a short life span of approximately
one week and do not require food as they have no mouths.
Any questions as to the rearing process will be gladly answered.
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