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Post by livingplanet3 on Jul 18, 2021 17:58:36 GMT -8
Does anyone here have any experience in rearing Citheronia splendens? I have an opportunity get some eggs / larvae, but I'm not sure if I have any plants here in my area (North TX) that this species will accept. I have access to a Sweetgum Tree (Liquidambar styraciflua), which is great for Citheronia regalis, but I'm not so sure if C. splendens will accept that. |
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Post by kevinkk on Jul 18, 2021 18:55:29 GMT -8
I've never raised this one, but Stone's guide lists Liquidambar, Arctostaphhylos pungens, Rhus choriophylla, Juglans nigra, Schinus molle
Carya glabra and Rhus laurina,
Those are actually splendens sinaloensis food plant, but I think there might be some confusion, at least I've been confused by this species,
I bought splendens pupa one time, southwestern stock, and I couldn't tell any difference in the adults, maybe the seller was
incorrect in id. I think maybe it's regional difference, I saw an ad
earlier for this species, but my sweetgum can't take two years in a row of branch cutting.
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evra
Full Member
Posts: 230
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Post by evra on Jul 18, 2021 23:48:36 GMT -8
I’ve reared them on Schinus terebinthifolia with great success. I also think they’ll take most sumac (Rhus spp.). I started some on Rhus lancea once and they were doing well until I switched them to Schinus. In the wild they feed primarily on Gossypium thurberi. I bet they would take Liquidambar or Juglans as well but I’m not 100% sure. They don’t seem picky at all. They eat huge amounts and grow extremely fast so be careful how many you try to rear. 40 last instar C. splendens ate about the same amount of host plant as 60-80 Hyalophora larvae.
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Post by livingplanet3 on Jul 19, 2021 8:27:43 GMT -8
Many thanks for the input. Ok - will give Liquidambar a try for the C. splendens. I also have easy access to Carya illinoinensis, so will see if they'll accept that. Also, might get some Antheraea oculea eggs / larvae; hoping that they'll accept one of my local oak species.
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Post by trehopr1 on Jul 19, 2021 10:59:07 GMT -8
Just a little reminder of just why this species was named C. splendens...  This was a "honey" of an example which I (almost) had as my own last year. However, another bidder with deeper pockets won it. This is a spectacular western species ! |
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Post by 58chevy on Jul 19, 2021 13:21:05 GMT -8
Trehopr, you should go to SE Arizona during the monsoon season (most years late July to early Aug). It's almost a 100% guarantee you'll get multiple examples of this species, not to mention dozens of other spectacular species.
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Post by livingplanet3 on Jul 19, 2021 14:00:05 GMT -8
Trehopr, you should go to SE Arizona during the monsoon season (most years late July to early Aug). It's almost a 100% guarantee you'll get multiple examples of this species, not to mention dozens of other spectacular species. Indeed - it's a great part of the country for moths! I was there in Aug 2011 and saw many Eacles oslari - bugguide.net/node/view/95678 |
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Post by trehopr1 on Jul 19, 2021 14:52:16 GMT -8
Thank you for the encouragement gentleman. However, such an undertaking would be costly and not without logistical problems.
I live in Illinois so round trip air ticket is just one of the sizable costs along with having a motel room for four or five nights.
Additionally, there is the matter of how one gets lights there without them getting broken. A generator would have to be rented and that would incur as well some serious costs; not to mention a vehicle which would have to be rented to carry the generator,lights, sheets, and me.
And then of course I have no idea whatsoever where I could set myself up to do any collecting -- and feel safe.
So, this is probably an affair that would have to be conducted with someone who has not only been there but, has contacts there to defer some of the costs involved (vehicle, room etc).
If I could find another specimen that (looked this good) I would be happy to purchase it from someone willing to sell it. It's the only way I ever see myself getting one.
Thanks again fella's for the thoughts.
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Post by exoticimports on Jul 19, 2021 15:08:28 GMT -8
Book early.
Camp, no hotel
Rent generator.
A week could be done for under $1000
Your carry permit is good in AZ.
Split expenses with a friend and I’ll bet you could do it for under $500
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Post by kevinkk on Jul 19, 2021 16:31:30 GMT -8
I know what you mean about going collecting out of our "safe" zones. I'll do more once Mom has passed, and I'm not in a hurry for that
to happen.
Illinois, only a 2 or 3 day ride from the west coast..one way, and you can drive 75 on I80 ,if you want.
Luckily, there are plenty of specimens to buy from those places we can't go.
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Post by trehopr1 on Jul 19, 2021 17:08:07 GMT -8
You know, there are those who say that there are a lot of "holes" in places like Arizona, New Mexico, Nevada, Texas etc; where there a big open spaces and few people.
Safety is a serious concern since I am neither a young man with reckless abandon nor someone with a "devil may care attitude".
Also, doing such a trip on my lonesome could find me injured, or my vehicle broke down so that I might be miles away from anybody or anything (even a cell tower) to call anyone for help.
Again I welcome the enthusiastic thoughts but, my true sense of adventure has its limitations...
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Post by exoticimports on Jul 19, 2021 18:07:14 GMT -8
As I find, after two decades in the Pacific and Asian jungles, at times carrying an automatic rifle, there is plenty of unknown in the back yard. I still believe a day in the field beats a purchased specimen, and I have no use for mass bred specimens, but to each their own.
Chuck
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evra
Full Member
Posts: 230
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Post by evra on Jul 19, 2021 19:18:48 GMT -8
I wouldn’t recommend coming out this year. Although the monsoons have been extremely strong so far in July, the collecting this past weekend was absolutely terrible. I didn’t see a single Saturniid, which is highly unusual, and only a handful of Sphingids and Arctiids, and only about 10 Chrysinas. I think it has to do with the fact that 2020 had basically no summer monsoon rain, and in 2019 the rain that came was in late August and September, but the moth flights were at their normal time in late July, so it was too late to support the 1st instars. Also there was very weak winter rains too so I’m sure that didn’t help.
It reminds me a lot of 2011, which was a bad collecting year with a very strong monsoon, but then 2012 and 2013 ended up being banner years for just about everything.
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Post by coloradeo on Jul 19, 2021 20:01:18 GMT -8
Evan, I collected this week with Matt and it reminded me of the monsoon a few years back when you guided us. Thanks again for the great help! Eric
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Post by 58chevy on Jul 20, 2021 7:35:19 GMT -8
Trehopr, I've been to SE AZ 3 times. The first 2 times (2003 & 2004) I took a cheap flight, rented a car in AZ, and did NOT take lights or a generator. I split the cost of a motel room with other collectors. We just walked around the campsite at Pena Blanca and asked others if we could pluck specimens off their sheets. They were all very friendly and allowed us to do so. The bugs are so abundant that there are plenty of them for everyone. I returned with lots of specimens. The 3rd time (2019) I rented a house in Green Valley, AZ, which is central to many of the best collecting spots. Lots of people live there during the winter but rent out their houses during the summer. I was lucky that a friend's girlfriend owned a house there and she let me stay for a week. I only had to pay the utility bill (less than $100). I drove out there with another collector and we split the gas. This time I took lights and a generator. We met up with a local collector (Matt) who guided us to some great spots. Again, we made a big haul. I never felt like I was in danger at all. At most of the collecting spots there are other collectors with light rigs set up, so you're never alone. For best results, you can meet up with a local who can guide you to the popular spots. I've heard that Evra (Evan) is a great guide. SE AZ should be on any moth collector’s bucket list. It will be your best collecting experience ever, by far. Check out the sheet on this link: www.google.com/search?q=moths+of+southeastern+arizona&rlz=1C5CHFA_enUS850US854&tbm=isch&source=iu&ictx=1&fir=oFhwD72VTechJM%252CQYE1cxmRHNxwvM%252C_&vet=1&usg=AI4_-kSY4-B3mArQVQRj9Z_JeldUjaX6ig&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjiupXc-PHxAhWVt54KHfBpAxAQ9QF6BAgrEAE#imgrc=5uXeCHumYF8iFM |
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