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Post by Paul K on Dec 21, 2018 20:51:08 GMT -8
And in the bush the cocoons are usually about 1 m above ground ( i found 3 like that ) but on isolated tree they stay on them. Here is one I am cutting off the tree
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Post by eurytides on Dec 22, 2018 0:35:20 GMT -8
I don’t have anything for reaching cocoons that high. I would have had to climb that tree!!
Is that tool home made or did you buy it somewhere?
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leptraps
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Post by leptraps on Dec 22, 2018 2:49:50 GMT -8
I made a visit to Wolfe County to check Bait Traps after a warm night (temp above 50° all night). Not one moth, not one, and no butterflies either.
I drove out through the country, found tons of Sassafras and even more Wild Cherry. Most in Fence lines. No Cocoons of any type.
The following day I had an errand to run to Lousyville. After taking care of business I journeyed North on I-65 into Indiana. I came upon a stretch of road with lots of Sassafras in the fence line. I pull off on the shoulder and drove slowly along and there they were, a dozen or more Promethea cocoons. As I came back to my car I had a visitor waiting for me, an Indiana Highway Patrol officer. After a brief a introduction and explanation of what I was doing. The young officer advised me that what I was doing was a no no and a safety issue for me and other drivers. He gave me no warning or citation, however, I got the message.
I exited I-65 at Crothersville and found a CR1240 which ran south and parallel to I-65 on the north bound side, the next exit to I-65 I made a little wiggle and was still heading route on CR1200 to Scottsburgh. I saw untold numbers of Sassafras and Wild Cherry trees but no cocoons. I was stunned. Perfect set up, host plant galore, no cocoons. And then it started to rain, and boy did it rain. I got back on the interstate and started for home. I hate driving in the rain.
Once back in Kentucky the rain let up and I decided to stop for a late lunch at a Waffle House in Jeffersonville, Kentucky. The food was great as usual. However, the entertainment was exceptional. There was this 300+ pound heffer with bright Green, Gold and Purple hair came in with a guy without any hair. He had tattooed the top of his head with some sort of sword/axe insignia. He had ear noodles (Just once I would like to stick my finger in one of those noodles and see how far I could lead him or her around.) and his clothes were worn and full of holes. He need a bath and brains, not likely to get either.
And people think I have a screw loose because I collect bugs. Then it dawned on me, that couple collected bugs too, Crabs.
I drove home in the rain. Momma was waiting for me. Hot shower and I was ready for my nap.
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Post by Paul K on Dec 22, 2018 6:06:34 GMT -8
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Post by Deleted on Dec 22, 2018 8:23:35 GMT -8
My telescoping cocoon collecting device is what once was a swimming pool flat net used for skimming the surface debris from pools. Took the 12x12 net piece off and replaced it with my aluminum hook. I also, for more serious cocoon collecting trips, have a 16ft pruning tool that can cut the branch (3/4" diameter max.) as it is operated from a rope pull from below. Kinda thinking about heading out, but I usually do most cocooning in the later winter where temps can be better and, most importantly, more leaves have fallen off causing fewer false sightings.
Actually....I like the idea of a saw blade. Maybe I'll attach one to the back of my hook.
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Post by exoticimports on Dec 23, 2018 5:34:40 GMT -8
Remember that you have competition, particularly from squirrels. The best time to search for cocoons is immediately after the leaves have fallen.
Always keep your eyes open. Commercial strip mall construction (eg Walmart, etc.)now typically landscape with trees in the parking lots- a perfect spot for Saturnids, easy to spot cocoons since the trees stand alone, and typically one has to go there anyway.
And not just the suburbs- as a kid we collected cocoons from a huge maple in the city, only 100M from a major motorway. I'll bet downtown Toronto is loaded with Cecropia (and sqirrels). The RCYC property is ideal for Cecropia (private property mind you.) While I've not looked, I expect the riverfront around Gan and Brockville would be a good search area.
Notably, much of my shoreside cocoon finds were on the windward side, that is on the shore toward prevailing wind, and thus better protected.
With big maples and willows always look in the lowest Y of the tree. There was one big willow where I'd pull cecropia cocoons off and they'd be piled on top of each other and I had to take them off in clumps and separate them at home.
And just be aware that public parks and such might frown on cutting branches off trees!
If you know farmers and hunters, show them a cocoon and ask them to keep an eye out. Deer hunters have all day to sit there and look around.
Chuck
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Post by Deleted on Dec 23, 2018 14:18:52 GMT -8
Paul K, Thanks for the saw idea. Ran out and got a couple of blades to try and voila.....
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Post by Deleted on Dec 23, 2018 14:19:38 GMT -8
And a close up.... I extended the swimming pool cleaning/skimming net handle to 18' and easily sawed off a branch......wow. Now I have wait for a less windy day to head out.
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Post by Paul K on Dec 23, 2018 17:30:13 GMT -8
Looks very professional,
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Post by Paul K on Dec 26, 2018 13:46:35 GMT -8
I went today to waterfront park near one I found three dead cocoons and I found one live cecropia cocoon. Now I have the question to all professional cocoon hunters what should I do to successful overwinter it.
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leptraps
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Post by leptraps on Dec 26, 2018 18:18:19 GMT -8
I have a deck across the back of our home. I keep a number of cages, 12" X 12" X 24" under the deck. I keep all of my cocoons and chrysalids under my deck for the winter. I keep cocoons in some cages and chrysalids in others. I do my best not to mix them.
I bring them in doors in early March and keep them under continuous light (24/7). They will emerge in two or three weeks.
I keep the cocoon with each specimen. Butterflies I place the Chtysalids shell under the specimen on the pin. That was how I was taught to do it.
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leptraps
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Post by leptraps on Dec 26, 2018 18:27:19 GMT -8
I forgot to mention, once I bring the cocoons and Chrysalids in doors I spray them with water several times a day. I give them a good soaking. I use bottled water. I just do not like well water or tap water.
It just works for me.
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Post by Paul K on Dec 26, 2018 18:29:07 GMT -8
Will metal cookies box do? I don’t have cage. I placed it on my balcony, it is south side so there is some direct sunlight. Should I move it to shade place or it is fine inside metal box.
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leptraps
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Post by leptraps on Dec 26, 2018 18:49:06 GMT -8
I would not suggest using a metal container. I will take a photograph of a Smokey Container (Smokey = Stick Meat. Dried greasy smoked meat.) I own dozens of them.
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Post by eurytides on Dec 26, 2018 19:29:20 GMT -8
Congrats Paul, your hard work has paid off. I keep my cocoons in a ziplock bag in the fridge. Take them out 3-4 weeks before i want them to eclose and leave at room temperature.
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