Hello!
i'm a very beginner when it comes to rearing moths, especially bigger ones like hawk-moths. Only basic knowledge of rearing butterflies, though some smaller moths (like cinnabar moths).
Got 15 eggs awhile back, all hatched with succes in 5 days time. However, I instantly noticed none of them ate their eggs. After an hour or two I started giving them Salix alba. Which they started to feed on quickly. After almost 72 hours now, 7 of them died. First 2 after 24h, then after 48h 2 more, now at almost 72h later another 3.
I rinsed the fresh Salix before giving it to them, every evening I spray very lightly above the container with water (misting). The container is pretty small (8cm by 7cm, 3cm deep), should I top it with netting? Could it be overcrowding? Saw them fighting eachother a few times. The remaining caterpillars seem to grow just fine, though.
Suggestions are welcome
Thanks in advance.