Hi, a large female Marumba cristata was attracted to my light in Northern Sumatra. It subsequently laid eggs. I was wondering if anyone has experience rearing them in Europe, and if so which plants did you use.
I see Phoebe (Lauraceae) listed as a foodplant in India, so I was thinking of trying Cherry Laurel as it might be closely enough related. However it would be great to hear from someone with other suggestions.
Thank you in advance,
Mark Calway
Hi Ari,
In general use plastic tubs until they are large L3+. Do not let them get too warm, they come from the Chinese mountains where it can be very cold. Once the larvae are larger sleeve them on growing branch of a tree if convenient, other wise use branches in water making sure you prevent the larvae going down in to the water - especially when in the final instar. Lots of fresh air and humidity and don't overcrowd the larger larvae. I have kept mine outdoors in the UK on potted pines trees under netting/sleeve.
I have some notes including occasions where things went wrong. Perhaps it will be of interest to you.
You will find them here: https://markcalwaymoths.blogspot.com/2023/02/on-act…my-name-is.html
Best wishes,
Mark
Sorry to hear that your butterfly did not emerge successfully. I expect there was not enough humidity. There is high humidity where the morphos live and lots of rainfall between the hot sunshine.
