Attacus Atlas mating problems

Toxodera_22 · Edited once, last by Toxodera_22 (May 13, 2021 at 6:26 PM).

Hello everyone.

It's my first time rearing attacus atlas species. I've reared them from egg to adults and after several hatchings I got now a chance to mate them. I thought I was not going to have this opportunity because I got not so many cocoons and They have been hatching in very separated times.

Unfortunately, after making and following the instructions in various YouTube videos on how to pair them manually, I have not been successful. I do not know what is the problem. Starting to think that the male has some problem with his genitals since the female is very receptive I guess. The male is 48 h old.I Tried it yesterday, but was told by a helpful person that it may be too fresh. So, I tried it back today, although no success was achieved.

I'm uploading some pics of the male for you to check it's parts.

Every help is useful.

Thank you very much 🙏🏻

Prem63

Hi Hector

I would suggest that pairings are most likely if there is a slight breeze taking the pheromone from female to male. Outdoors would be best, but attacus atlas may need to be above 20 degrees at night. Next to an open window, indoors may be ok. Good luck. Prem

Toxodera_22

Thank you very much for your help Prem. However even providing them with those conditions anything happens That male is very fusy 🤣.

glischrochilus

My experience is that A. atlas is one of the most easy species to breed including pairing. For example I put a fresh couple on the wall of my room, the mal closely to the female. Constant light and about 14°C made me sure they won´t fly. And they didn´t. The male just crawled on top of the bride and did his job (see photo).

Also handpairing was no problem after watching the movie from Bart Coppers. Of course you need a little patience and a calm hand.

Thomas

Toxodera_22

Very interesting Thomas! I'll try that.

Participate now!