|
|
Post by scanner on Feb 11, 2019 14:14:32 GMT -8
Last month I received some Actias luna cacoons and they have since enclosed in their indoor enclosure in my room. They have since sustained some minor damage to their wings. They are housed in a butterfly habitat about 2 feet by 6 inches by 6 inches. I intend to get more cacoons for the purpose of starting a collection without removing creatures from their environment and to observe species I might not get the chance to observe where I live. I want to prevent my moths and butterflies in the future from wind damage first and foremost for the well being of the animal and also the quality of my collection. Is the damage a result of the small enclosure? What size is recommended for indoor keeping and what has worked for some of you? I do intend on building a custom enclosure out of pvc pipe and screen. Any tips would be greatly appreciated as I am brand new to this.
Thanks!
|
|
|
|
Post by LEPMAN on Feb 11, 2019 18:32:31 GMT -8
To prevent wing damage collect the moth before it flies, one good way is to keep them in the dark in a cool room. Once they start flying, no matter how big the cage is, they will still get damaged.
|
|
|
|
Post by scanner on Feb 11, 2019 20:12:00 GMT -8
I've read that it is not painful to them, but then is it inhumane to allow them to live out their lives? Is it good practice to kill before they fly?
|
|
|
|
Post by LEPMAN on Feb 12, 2019 15:37:35 GMT -8
I've read that it is not painful to them, but then is it inhumane to allow them to live out their lives? Is it good practice to kill before they fly? Simple math: You kill before they fly = good quality collection You use natural death = low quality collection One alternative is to keep them in an envelope in the fridge until they die but it’s best just to go i the freezer or EtOH injection. |
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Feb 13, 2019 5:47:38 GMT -8
With respect......if the moth is a night flyer like Luna, keep a light on so as to make them think it’s daytime and they’ll rest. If it’s a day flyer like Promethia, keep them in the dark so they think it’s night and they’ll rest. These Saturniid moths have no mouth parts and only live as adults for several days to a week. Butterflies and nectarine moths like Catocalas can be kept as adults for longer periods if given nectar/fruit.
Yes, it’s ok to kill them soon after wings r pumped up which will provide better collection specimens. Killing them humanely is always ideal. I inject mine w 90% isopropyl alcohol between the legs and it’s indeed quick. Having them live out their lives serves no purpose as their only goal is to mate for the next generation which will mean wing damage as they seek out mates and flutter around no matter the cage size.
|
|
|
|
Post by scanner on Feb 13, 2019 14:42:53 GMT -8
With respect......if the moth is a night flyer like Luna, keep a light on so as to make them think it’s daytime and they’ll rest. If it’s a day flyer like Promethia, keep them in the dark so they think it’s night and they’ll rest. These Saturniid moths have no mouth parts and only live as adults for several days to a week. Butterflies and nectarine moths like Catocalas can be kept as adults for longer periods if given nectar/fruit. Yes, it’s ok to kill them soon after wings r pumped up which will provide better collection specimens. Killing them humanely is always ideal. I inject mine w 90% isopropyl alcohol between the legs and it’s indeed quick. Having them live out their lives serves no purpose as their only goal is to mate for the next generation which will mean wing damage as they seek out mates and flutter around no matter the cage size. Thanks for the response. After I posted the original post I collected both of my Lunas using a killing jar with ethyl acetate. One of the animals was much milder in temperament and sustained almost no damage to its wings, the other did quite a number on his. I think going forward I'll just collect moths when their wings are pumped, although I'm intrigued by the idea of tricking them into resting. I might try that when my Polyphemus moths eclose. One more question, if there is a suitable mate within their enclosure (both my lunas were male), will they flutter around less after successfully mating? Thanks for the response and the tips. |
|
|
|
Post by exoticimports on Feb 14, 2019 8:31:49 GMT -8
I've prevented damage to a large extent by enclosing wings in envelopes. It hasn't stopped them from mating or laying eggs. It doesn't totally prevent damage, but better than expected. This works for at least some NA saturnids, I don't think it would work for sphinigidae or butterflies.
Chuck
|
|
