Delaying Automeris/Eacles hatchings

[Fernando]

Dear people,

I currently have some Eacles imperiales and Automeris oaxacencis pupae, and I don't want them to hatch soon.

I have read/heard that you can delay hatchings putting the pupae in the refrigerator. My question is: can this be done with these particular species, or I can kill them doing so?

Thanks in advance!

[oehlkew]

A short duration cool period of a few days or a week can be used to delay most developing pupae. Freezing is not recommended.

However, a prolonged chill of pupae that are not in diapause, can kill the pupae.

Automeris oaxacensis flights have been recorded in Mexico in
January, May-June and August-September, so I suspect your pupae are not in true diapause.

Daytime temperatures for Oaxaca for the next three days are predicted at 30, 31, 30C. Bcause of elevation if often gets much cooler at night.

There are many Eacles imperialis subspecies from various countries. If your Eacles are also from Mexico, some subspecies are known to have a December flight so they may not be in true diapause either.

i do not know how long you can delay development by chilling of a non-diapausing pupa.


Bill Oehlke

[Fernando]

I see. Then, I better don't even try it.

Thanks for your help!

[ladobe]

Bill is spot on, depends on if they are in diapause naturally. Diapause can be forced by photoperiod, temperature and humidity in the larva's last instar, and for a period after the cocoon is first formed, and they will remain viable all winter with proper storage. But you have to know the when's and how's, and you are still taking at least some chance of killing them.