Robin moth in UK

[kat123456]

Hi my boyfriend got me cecropia moth eggs for my birthday ❤️ I have successfully raised them on apple to 4/5 I star. We live in the UK. Now, I'm wondering about overwintering, providing all spin their cocoons equa successfully.. Which month would be best if I tried to refrigerate them? Also, what do breeders actually do with not a native species once it is actually hatched?.. Please be kind in your answer, I'm not a commercial person.

[exoticimports]

The weather in UK is not too far off from some regions in which cecropia is found in North America. If you successfully raise them to the cocoon stage, they should overwinter fine. They are still alive, so don't seal them in a container, they need to breathe. Keep them cool, and away from mice and such, try to replicate the cool weather- so no need to refrigerate until November or so.

When the eclose from the cocoon, they do not feed. You could breed another brood, and continue. Of course, it depends on the laws of UK. Certainly, they should not be released into the wild.

Chuck

[kat123456]

Thank you very much for your answer

[kevinkk]

Aug 14, 2020 3:49:07 GMT -8 exoticimports said:

The weather in UK is not too far off from some regions in which cecropia is found in North America. If you successfully raise them to the cocoon stage, they should overwinter fine. They are still alive, so don't seal them in a container, they need to breathe. Keep them cool, and away from mice and such, try to replicate the cool weather- so no need to refrigerate until November or so.

When the eclose from the cocoon, they do not feed. You could breed another brood, and continue. Of course, it depends on the laws of UK. Certainly, they should not be released into the wild.

Chuck

You may have forgot to mention one thing- the cocoons need to overwinter for several months in cool/cold conditions to hatch. They can take freezing
temps outdoors, but I wouldn't put them in a freezer, many of us use a refrigerator, it's safe and controllable.