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Post by myotis on Jun 6, 2011 7:04:08 GMT -8
I have been trying hand pairing swallowtails this spring. I have had good success with black swallowtails and spicebush, but have not had any with tiger swallowtails. I have tried varying feeding and how old they are with no success. Could anyone out there offer me any tips
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Post by bobw on Jun 6, 2011 8:14:06 GMT -8
The machaon group is incredibly easy to hand pair, the glaucus group is somewhat more difficult. I've found they're not too difficult but males must be at least 3 days old and well-fed. Before attempting a pairing I cook the male - I put it under light in a plastic container so that it's at least 30 degrees, I give it about 5 minutes so it's very active, then it will usually pair quite easily. It will need a good feed after pairing!
Bob
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Post by admin on Jun 6, 2011 18:39:02 GMT -8
I have had trouble with the hardwood feeders too, but the machaon group is indeed easy.
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Post by myotis on Jun 7, 2011 12:45:06 GMT -8
I still have yet to have any success, but I have a cherry branch in the cage and today I discovered eggs on them. Is it possible they paired in the cage while I was at work or do they just lay their eggs fertile or not like saturniidae moths?
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