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Post by jennam on Aug 1, 2012 9:02:16 GMT -8
Hi,
Im by no means new to breeding moths, buti have not had Atlas moths until now.
The caterpillars i received just hatched last night and i put some fresh privet in with them straight away, and again this morning.
Far as i can tell they are not eating yet. Is this normal?
They dont move around much and i wondered if i may have the temperature too cool?
They are currently in a ventilated plastic container in the bedroom, as this is normally the warmest room... Thermastat says 21 degrees. Ive been told 20-25 degrees is fine, and no lower that 14.
I may be worrying for nothing, but would appreciate any advice or insight as to why they may not be eating yet.
Thanks.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Aug 1, 2012 9:11:32 GMT -8
Sometimes they do take a day or so get going. I would, however, suggest you use Wild Cherry instead of Privot. Many years ago, I reared 2 doz. A. atlas on Wild Cherry and they did great. Sometimes, lightly misting them might help. Use only water that is the same temp. as the room. Lastly, I'd suggest you separate them into two or more groups and put in different locations. That way, if trouble with a group happens, the others are there as back-ups. Good luck  |
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evra
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Post by evra on Aug 1, 2012 10:35:07 GMT -8
Also, for freshly hatched larvae, do not use the large, mature leaves, but instead use the new growth on the plant. Young larvae usually have a difficult time eating mature leaves.
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Fernando
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Learning...
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Post by Fernando on Aug 1, 2012 11:12:58 GMT -8
As Bill said, some larvae take their time! For example, I know that some saturniids like Copaxa cydippe take up to 3 days before they start feeding.
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Post by oehlkew on Aug 1, 2012 15:10:21 GMT -8
Young larvae in a ventilated container indoors may desiccate due to low
relative humidity indoors, unless they are on a lving plant that is getting plenty of moisture.
Bill Oehlke.
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Post by jennam on Aug 1, 2012 23:51:17 GMT -8
Thank you everyone... it seems there are small nibbles taken from the leaves now (big for them i suppose) and some are evidently bigger than they were.
I will try all your various advice.
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Post by bobw on Aug 2, 2012 0:32:10 GMT -8
The big clue to show if they've started feeding is the presence of frass.
Bob
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Post by jennam on Aug 2, 2012 1:41:14 GMT -8
The big clue to show if they've started feeding is the presence of frass. Bob Yes, it's hard to see at the moment, as they are so tiny, but i believe there is now. It has been a while since ive kept caterpillars, so i think i was getting nervous for nothing. Thanks  |
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Aug 2, 2012 6:56:53 GMT -8
Jennam, "It has been a while since ive kept caterpillars, so i think i was getting nervous for nothing." Hey, it is better to error on the side of caution and 'get nervous' before it is too late. No good will come from finding out something about these guys ....after....they've expired. It has been 30 years since I reared my atlas, so as you progress along, I'd sure love to see pics if you can. It is one species you'll never forget rearing, for those larvae are huge. The first moth to eclose will blow you away  Good luck |
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Post by jennam on Aug 3, 2012 4:14:44 GMT -8
Sure, i will definately be taking photos. Ill post some photos at various stages.
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Post by jennam on Sept 17, 2012 4:31:28 GMT -8
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Post by Adam Cotton on Sept 17, 2012 7:35:47 GMT -8
Make sure they are clean at all times, and preferably sleeve them on a branch of the foodplant rather than keep them in plastic boxes, as they need good air circulation. Also it is best to keep them separated, rather than keeping more than one together in the same box/sleeve. Many Saturniid larvae cannot stand being kept in a closed box, especially in numbers. They should be separated out as soon as possible. Attacus atlas larvae are always solitary in nature (I have them wild here in my garden), and I have found similar problems with larvae of other local Saturniidae dying of disease when kept together past about 3rd instar. A. atlas larvae grow slowly at first, but once they get to 5th instar they will eat a huge amount of leaves.
Hope this helps,
Adam.
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Post by jennam on Sept 17, 2012 8:51:53 GMT -8
Thanks.
I have separated them out into separate boxes, but they are large boxes and are opened frequently to give fresh Privet, let air circulate and clean. They are very well ventilated anyway.
It looks like out of the 11, only 4 are of good colour still. I have separated away those that were looking yellowish in colour and with darkish feet. They almost look like they are deflating.
It's hard, we've taken all advice and been so careful... they were absolutely fine until this weekend and i dont know what changed. Unless some bug or other got in with them, but i cant find anything.
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Post by jennam on Sept 23, 2012 4:41:57 GMT -8
Just 3 left now... they arent very big, i dont think they will make it.
Ive been looking on the net for info on what might have caused this and i just dont know.
They just one at a time seem to leak out this greeny brown liquid and dye. It's heartbreaking. I clean them every day, keep them separated in separate containers, make sure the leaves are clean and dry and free of other insects.
Never have i had any problems with any other caterpillar before.
I wondered if the fact we have a cat (and maybe the cat hairs in the air) could cause it? (i ask because obviously the cat has been treated for fleas and that would come off in his dander. Though the caterpillars are high up out of reach of the cat.
We did have the house treated for fleas a while back, but the caterpillars were out of the house for 2 weeks afterwards and it wasnt a fleabomb, just a spray round the skirting boards, again well away from them (the flea guy said it doesnt go into the air, it's only harmful on contact).
We also use kitchen towel at the bottom of their tubs, which ive seen mentioned might cause it??
That is all the info ive found or can attribute it to, unless it's the temperature, but that is always between 20 and 25 degrees C.
If anyone has anymore insight id be greatful.
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Post by saturniidave on Sept 23, 2012 10:22:05 GMT -8
Those are typical symptoms of a virus infection. This could have come from the leaves you were feeding them or even have been on the eggs to start with. Also damp leaves can cause this too, or if there is some bird excrement on them that you have not noticed. There are so many ways this can happen and the sad thing is that it is usually fatal to the whole colony. I have heard of people treating the larvae with antibiotics but I do not know how or which type I am afraid.
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