Elephant Hawk Moth Has just hatched (4 Viewers)

[Rachel4244]

Hi all,
Iam hoping someone can give me some advice regarding an Elephant hawk moth. We have had him since a Catapiller and its just hatched. Is it too early thought they should hatch apr/may not sure whether to release it yet.
any help would be appreciated.
thanks Rachel

 

[delia todd]

Hi Rachel and a warm welcome to you from all the Staff and Moderators.

I've moved your post to the Butterfly and Moth forum, as I think you're more like to get the answers to your questions in there. I also subscribed you to the thread so that you don't lose track of it.

Good luck with the moth and I hope you enjoy your time here with us.

 

[honeym]

Hi all,
Iam hoping someone can give me some advice regarding an Elephant hawk moth. We have had him since a Catapiller and its just hatched. Is it too early thought they should hatch apr/may not sure whether to release it yet.
any help would be appreciated.
thanks Rachel

Hi Rachel
Unfortunately it's about three month too early for the peak emergence so it is unlikely to survive and fulfil its destiny, to mate. That's one of the problems of rearing moths and butterflies - that we often can't mimic their natural life history. Did you keep the pupa outdoors in a frost-free place, or was it indoors?
It is probably too cold for it to survive long outdoors and there are not many suitable nectar sources at this time of year.
Martin

 

[coaltit]

In december fluttering just outdoors under the guttering was the latest butterfly I have ever seen which was a red Admiral I brought it into the conservatory it was a mild period then and over the christmas and through a cold Period in january it managed to switch down in to hibernation mode but it never seemed to get out of the way of Any winter suns rays we had that came through the glass there were areas it could of done and at that point Thou I thought I was doing the right thing bringing it in doors at the time as well as away from birds like sparrows or other birds that might have predated it I wish I had not Interfered in the end as this butterfly eventually met up with the cold and died such a shame I won,t Interfere next time, if I,d a dark dry garden shed I,m sure its chance,s would have been better but I have not unfortuneately.