Beiträge von NickP

Update on my G zambesina rearing: from ova hatching in late February I have successfully reared about 30 through to L5 on Ivy (Hedera), Eight pupated successfully in early April, but the remainder died one by one of some kind of infection. They were kept at 30 deg C in airtight boxes in an airing cupboard, which is probably not ideal but was the only way I could maintain the temperature and keep foodplant fresh. The pupae are rather smaller than the parent generation. Photos below of the parent moths, and two colour forms (red and black tubercles) of L5 larvae.

Probably 50% established. I will watch the humidity, but once they get to L3 I shall have to cage them as the 30 deg C airing cupboard is not very large.

Thanks for the suggestions david5 and henri2504. An update - I offered Prunus laurocerasus (not sure what variety?) but the zambesina larvae refused it. The only plant they have accepted is Ivy (Hedera). I have had losses, only about half have established. I am also keeping them warm (30 deg C), not at room temperature. After 10 days I now have a first in L2, so hopefully they will continue to grow.

Hi
I have a batch of zambesina ova that have unexpectedly started to hatch (thought they were infertile!). Not much foodplant about at this time of year, and I do not have Holm Oak, Oleander, Mango or Delonix available! Reading the threads on this board on this species, has anyone actually succeeded with Cherry Laurel/Kirschlorbeer or Pyracantha? Or tried Ivy (Hedera)? I have offered Ligustrum, Bramble and Buddleja but they are not eating these.
Thanks for any ideas
Nick

Margareth

Not sure about the shaking.

As for telling the sex, if you mean the adult moths, the male should have wide feathered antennae, the female narrow ones. The male is also smaller, with a narrower body and has more "pointed" wings, while the female should have a very fat abdomen and is often larger overall, if you have both sexes together to compare.

If you mean the pupae, assuming you have taken them out of the cocoon, the male has four unbroken segments between the wing cases and the first different-looking segment showing the genitalia, and the female only three segments - this works for all the silkmoths and hawkmoths (and probably smaller things too if you have a hand lens!).

regards
Nick