Post by hyalophora on Apr 17, 2012 21:03:31 GMT -8
Hi
I initially posted asking for opinions if artificial light is helpful in rearing eglanterina indoors.
I have been pleased with the results so far and wanted to share with the community.
I know this species as a slow grower in general (in my area) but I have been impressed with how fast and large they are growing.
I have also noticed the larvae love to move up to the tops of the cut food and bask during mid day. I assume sunlight is very important to this species.
I keep two 60 watt lights above the rearing cages on a timer set to 15 hours a day. Temp indoors is about 20c.
Rearing notes:
March 17, All larvae hatch outdoors on my balcony.
Snowberry is accepted and larvae are split up 10 per container.
March 25, Larvae Molt to L2
April 1, Larvae Molt to L3
At this point I switched foodplant to Speyeria Douglasii (hardhack)
There is far more of it around my area and it has leafed out enough to use as a host.
Larvae did not hesitate feeding on it, and seemed to prefer over snowberry.
April 7, Molt to L4
April 15 to 17, About 30 have molted to L5.
Interestingly enough, about 20% of the brood is an instar or more behind the others. I have separated these from the rest and growth has since sped up.
Steve.
I initially posted asking for opinions if artificial light is helpful in rearing eglanterina indoors.
I have been pleased with the results so far and wanted to share with the community.
I know this species as a slow grower in general (in my area) but I have been impressed with how fast and large they are growing.
I have also noticed the larvae love to move up to the tops of the cut food and bask during mid day. I assume sunlight is very important to this species.
I keep two 60 watt lights above the rearing cages on a timer set to 15 hours a day. Temp indoors is about 20c.
Rearing notes:
March 17, All larvae hatch outdoors on my balcony.
Snowberry is accepted and larvae are split up 10 per container.
March 25, Larvae Molt to L2
April 1, Larvae Molt to L3
At this point I switched foodplant to Speyeria Douglasii (hardhack)
There is far more of it around my area and it has leafed out enough to use as a host.
Larvae did not hesitate feeding on it, and seemed to prefer over snowberry.
April 7, Molt to L4
April 15 to 17, About 30 have molted to L5.
Interestingly enough, about 20% of the brood is an instar or more behind the others. I have separated these from the rest and growth has since sped up.
Steve.
Attachments:
