We delve in to lepidoptera by exploring moths and butterflies. A major focus has been on the Cecropia moth. This is the largest moth in North America and we have been raising them through 4 generations. They grow to about 8" across.We'll start with the mating process.
Upon eclosing from their cocoons, about the end of May, where they've spent the last 9 months they take to the air. The females park and disperse their pheromones to the winds and the males fly till they detect the scent and follow it. Often within 24 hours they have found each other. In our process we keep the females confined and release any males.
The males have broad antenna to detect and follow scent trails on the wind. The screen insures we get the fertilized eggs for the next generation. After mating the females immediately start laying. They eat nothing since they are without mouths. There is no parenting. They are allowed to fly once they have laid the eggs.
After about 10 days the eggs start hatching. We raise them on Current leaves but Black cherry and Lilac also work. They don't like a change in diet after hatching. These tiny caterpillars metamorphose through 5 forms called instars. They shed their skins each time becoming more ornate each time.
This is the first and second instar.
This is the third instar. They transition about every 2 weeks and feed heavily on current leaves.
This is the 4th instar.
And this is the 5th instar. They are about 3" long and need to be fed fresh leaves almost every day. About early to mid August they stop feeding and weave a cocoon around themselves never to be seen again for the next 9 months! They are left outside in the rain, snow and wind until the end of May. We give away many caterpillars for adoption each spring and sometimes extra cocoons too.
At the time they start the cocoon they never eat again. The energy in their bodies is used to generate the whole cocoon, transition them into a beautiful moth over the winter, perform mating flights and mate and lay a hundred or more eggs.
The end of the next May they eclose and start the whole process again. It's a fun and fascinating activity.