Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I know there's already an American Dagger Moth thread, but my question is a little different.
My little sister found an American Dagger Moth caterpillar (larvae? I'm not sure about the technical terms) and she wants to keep it in our large acquarium. I live in Colorado--what kind of care help can anyone give me? Right now she has it in with a blanket of grass, and leaves from all the surrounding trees and a few twigs. Is it possible for it to cocoon and turn into a moth in captivity?

Hi - yes, it will readily pupate (that's the hard brown stage before the moth comes) with minimal care. But the most important is fresh food and to make sure nothing gets moldy. If you have a screen top for your aquarium then it will be a fine home. However, a smaller home will keep the food plant from drying out. They feed on many trees which including: alder, ash basswood, hornbeam, birch, box elder, elm hickory, oak, sycamore and many others. So rather than giving it plants from the garden collect some tree leaves and see which it settles on. You can cut small branches to keep in water so they last longer but should still be changed every other day. Be aware - caterpillars will drown in open water. I use florist picks or you can wrap the base of stem in wet paper towel then wrap in plastic (baggie, saran wrap) and hold together with rubber band. Works pretty well.

It will make its cocoon among the leaves. Look at my last reply in other American Dagger thread for what to do once it is in its cocoon.

have fun!
lele

Thank you very much for the advice My sister is jumping around in joy because of it!

haha! glad I can help. I rear the wild silk moths (luna, cecropia, etc.) and over the years have reared many of the smaller species. It is a lot of fun and a great learning experience for children (and adults!) and big sisters, too!

I do not know which instar your is in - this is the period between molts - but if it seems to stop eating and doesn't move much tell her not to worry as it is either molting or getting ready to pupate. Shake off any leaves/branches to make sure there are no other insects or insect eggs on them. You can even rinse them off and pat dry with paper toweling. A VERY LIGHT spritz of water or a few drops on a leaf will help quench its thirst.

Good luck and keep us posted!