Saturniidae mortality rate

[entoman]

I was wondering what the typical survival/mortality rate of Saturniids in captivity would be from egg to pupae? If it helps, the species I am specifically interested in are Io, Polyphemus, Imperial, Regal, and Luna moth.

If this has been discussed previously, please direct me to the appropriate thread; I was unable to find anything pertaining to it.

Regards

[Deleted]

I've found that, w the species mentioned in captivity, one either has darn near complete success or problems develop. Things like humidity too high or too low, overcrowding, fungus, leaves not being thouroughly washed, the generation (F1, 2, or 3), particular foodplant, cut food being changed often enough. or even torn sleeves can profoundly affect the results. Foodplant choice is pretty critical as I see it as is overcrowding.

Of the mentioned species, I have had the most success w io, Polyphemus and luna while imperiallis and regalis were a tad lower. For me, when last I reared these two, it was the pupa to adult stage that gave me headaches after getting the larvae to pupate. I have since been given good advice from Bill O. regarding pupal storage for the earthen pupators. I think Bill has that information at his site, but I'm sure he'd help if an email was sent.

[entoman]

Thanks for the reply. So Imperial and Regal moths won't enclose if stored improperly? Do they need to be buried in dirt or will storing them in a dark container prove efficacious?

[Deleted]

I tried the soil approach with constant failure. Bill O. Informed me that putting larvae done eating and wandering for a place to pupate into a Tupperware or ( I use Glad sandwich tubs) with several layers of paper towel. I do also add a couple of layers of newspaper as well. No holes in lids. Don't mess w the pupae for a week or more so they harden up......soft not hardened ones r easily damaged. Put into crisper of frig where veggies go and u r good to go. You might email Bill and ask him for a copy link to a paper all abt this. He sent me a nice link which I printed out and have since lost the link. Before I put mine in the frig, I did add two, and only two, drops of water on the paper towel. When I take mine out for hatching, I make a loose conelike paper towel 'cocoon' for the pupa just to house in something as opposed to being naked on the cage floor.

[oehlkew]

I agree with Bill Garthe that Saturniidae survival rates are not consistent over time. Some years you have almost 100% survival of larvae from egg to cocoon stage of a given species and then other years there is almost complete failure with the same species.

There are some notes about caring for regalis at www.silkmoths.bizland.com/dadregalis.htm
and there are additional links to notes about regalis on that page.

I sell regalis pupae in the fall and eggs in the spring and summer.

I also maintain a private membership club where there is much additional information online, available to members, about worldwide Saturniidae.

Bill Oehlke

[Deleted]

For those who might not yet be a member of Bill O.'s site, I can't recommend it enough. I use it nearly every day for numerous moth issues that arise. It has great data, fine pics, contributions from very knowledgeable people, is easy to navigate through, and it's my go to site for moth IDs. I even think so highly of it that I've given a membership to his site as a gift to a close friend. If you are into Saturnids or Catocalas, it's a must to include as a source for awesome data.

[exoticimports]

I find that raising some species outside of their region more difficult. Those that are native to where I live (cecropia, luna, promethea, io) can be raised here with poor care and still yield a high survival rate.

Chuck