Anthelid moths (Anthelidae)

Discussion

VanessaC wrote:

12 Jan 2025

I just re-read your webpage on rearing moths, and see that expelling fluid is something that happens at pupation, so that's good to know.

Anthela (genus)

donhe wrote:

12 Jan 2025

Anthela (genus)

VanessaC wrote:

12 Jan 2025

All righty, will wait and see. Thanks Don.

Anthela (genus)

donhe wrote:

12 Jan 2025

The caterpillars of many species burrow into the soil to pupate. Yours might emerge in a fortnight or so, if the species has 2 generations per year. But some moth species have only one generation per year, so these typically hibernate as the pupa till next spring, then emerge as an adult next September or October. You just need to do a visual check every day, to see if it emerged yet. So this is where patience is required.

Anthela (genus)

VanessaC wrote:

12 Jan 2025

(Hi @donhe - An update on this caterpillar. I managed to remove 7-8 or so parasites, but there were three I couldn't get (close to the head). Around that time the caterpillar started spending most of its time in the soil at the bottom of the jar and didn't seem to be eating. Last Sunday when I checked on it, I was alarmed to see two long brown drips on the inside of the jar and a smear or two. It looked like a pretty bad case of caterpillar diarrhoea. The caterpillar emerged from the soil while I was checking and shortly after went back under and that is the last I have seen of it. During the week, I've seen three mature mites on the inside of the jar and managed to get them all out. I am wondering if the caterpillar is dead. I haven't disturbed the soil but am feeling a bit pessimistic. Any idea what has happened?

Anthela (genus)