Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I don't understand how this happened but thats ok. My mom was on a walk and found a giant green caterpillar. She brought it home because she didn't know what it was, but said she thought it looked like a Luna moth caterpilar. That of course was nonsense because we live in oregon and luna moths do not. However, when I went to the computer to identify it, it seemed to be a luna moth caterpillar. This morning it started to pupate so I can't take a picture, but if you could tell me how it got here, and some general care requirements that would be great.

Hi Jamie,
It is more likely a polyphemus. The caterpillars of the two look very similar to the untrained eye. The main difference is that the luna's head is green and the poly's brown. The "stripes" on the luna are horizontal and the poly vertical.

Did she just find it wandering? If so, it was looking for a place to pupate, or does she know what it was feeding on? Regardless, I would put some leaves in with it. Both usually wrap themselves in leaves; "naked" pupa often do not survive as the cocoon helps to keep it from drying out. Even if it is beyond that point I would cover it with some dry, freshly picked leaves (maple, oak, etc.) to at least maintain some moisture. Be sire no little critters (spiders, assassin bugs) are on the leaves. You can rinse them then pat dry with paper towel.

MOST IMPORTANT right now is to not move or disturb it. If it gets reoriented from original pupating position it can die or become deformed. Do not touch it as this is a very crucial time. Put the container in a cool, place out of harm’s way. After about 2-3 weeks you can place it in a plastic container on a bed of folded paper towel with ONE DROP of water, then put on the cover. You can store this in the crisper compartment of your fridge until next May or June.

Btw, IF it is a luna it probably got there via an irresponsible hobbyist. Eggs of many species are available worldwide and although people are not supposed to release any that are not indigenous to the area people still do.

Check out my webshots Antheraea polyphemus (link below). I just uploaded some pics of the two species, one side by side. Hope all of this helps and feel free to ask other rearing questions.

lele

lele's pics

you will surely know what it is once it emerges as an adult as they are totally different as adults. I have always found that interesting since they are so similar in their larval stage.

Thanks very much. It made itself a white, silky cocoon. It is connected to the glass of the cage that I put it in so I can't really put it in my fridge. Its head was sort of a tan color. not brown but not really green either. I didn't notice the stripes so I guess I'll just find out when it comes out.

you can carefully peel the cocoon away from the glass in a few weeks. The pupa needs time to finish its "work" before it can be handled. The white silk will (should) turn brown. If it does not. there is a chance it will emerge this season but it is unlikely due to your location and the time of year.

The other option is to cover it securely with wire mesh, so no critters can get to it, and leave it outside (not in direct sunlight)to be exposed to normal day lengths. Just make surer it wont drown in rain or snow melt.

lele