Reptile & Amphibian Forums

how big is the pupa compared to the cocoon it spins, and how long does a pre pupa live? (the first question is because I touched the cocoon and it made a dent and went back to its original shape. I might have touched the pre pupa...)

Hi - a few questions for you:

1 -when did it spin?
2 - where do you live?
3 - is it definitely a luna (not this this matters too much unless you plan to mate it - provided it is a female - and rear the caterpillars as you will need to know the food plant)

It is best not to disturb it for a few weeks after spinning. the length of time depends a lot on the temps and daylight hours, but typically anywhere from 1-3 weeks. Whatever you do DO NOT reorient the position of it from when it originally spun. If it spun vertical on a branch and you lay it down while the pupa is still forming it can cause grave problems upon eclosion (emergence).

Once I know where you live I can give you better long term rearing instructions, but in a nutshell if you are in the northeast MA and above it will winter over until next summer. If you are in its southern range it may be only a matter of weeks.

lele

It pupated on the 16th or 15th. I live in plano, Tx(it is near dallas). The pupa is doing fine.

Hi - From looking at the map you are just at the western most edge of the luna's range. In your area there are at least 3 generations/year. Due to your climate just give it natural light/day length and temps and it will probably eclose for you in a matter of weeks. Just be sure it has access to an angled stick/branch so that when it ecloses it can easily climb and expand its wings - a crippled moth is a very sad thing

If you have done this before and know everything I am telling you forgive me, I always make the assumption that everyone is a newbie unless I know otherwise - for the moth's sake

Btw, if it is a femal and you are interested in trying to call in a wild male (easy and very cool) let me know when it ecloses (I check this regularly). Only make that choice if you are willing to either release her afterwards so she can deposit her eggs in the wild - to increase the population, or, if you choose to keep some eggs be prepared to have plenty of fresh host plant available and the time (3-5 weeks). There are many host plants to try...OK, I am getting ahead of myself here

lele

here's a site for you

lele

scroll down to the luna pic and click