Observation date: May 25, 2011
Submitted by: EmperorMegas
Specimen type: Photograph
Observation notes: This rather large moth was on the neck of a bottle of weedkiller on my back deck two mornings ago. It was gone the next morning, but reappeared the following night on my door frame. I snapped another picture of it, and noticed that it was moving more than moths usually do. The next morning (today) I noticed that it laid a cluster of eggs the wooden part of the door frame where it was nesting, restlessly, the night before.
The first day that I spotted the moth it was sunny, and the temperature was in the low 60's perhaps. It was in the mid 50's or so the night she laid her eggs.
I'd like to save and cultivate some of the eggs/larva before they're all picked off my predators (if possible). The eggs in an exposed area on the door frame (and some fall either fell to, or were laid on the ground), and I don't think that they'll last more than a day, assuming they're still there now.
Any advice you can offer on the species and how to care for the larva is appreciated.
Status: Resident
Verified by: Tom Middagh
Verified date: May 28, 2011
Coordinator notes: The larva will feed on Plum, Poplar or willow. Put the ova in a container and when they hatch add the fresh food plant. Clean out the container each time you add more food. You should do well with these. When they get big enough they will want soil to burrow into to make the pupae. Should be more info on the net. Here is a good place to start http://www.silkmoths.bizland.com/usatable.htm
