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Originally Posted by devonia  They seem much more active in the evening, are these creatures nocturnal like their moth counterparts I wonder?? |
Yes - the main predators of caterpillars tend to be birds which are less active at night, so it would make sense.
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Originally Posted by devonia I am hoping to capture one and create a microcosmic habitat so that the family can watch it metamorphose. |
Elephant Hawk-moths are large caterpillars, I would recommend keeping them (one per) in a large ice cream tub or as you suggest a (large) sweet jar. They pupate amongst leaf litter, so twigs won't be necessary - two or three inches of leaf litter should be okay. I wouldn't worry about planting the plants - the caterpillar will eat through the lot in a day - daily cuttings will be required!
Atmosphere and temperature aren't too much of a problem at the larval stage, however when it has pupated in the leaf litter I would recommend placing the container outside in a shed or sheltered position. The conditions during pupation are far more important than during the larval stage. It'll also mean that it'll hatch out at the right time - from May onwards next year. Mid-april next year would be a good time to begin to keep a daily watch on it - you can bring it indoors by May if it hasn't already hatched. It will need some sturdy twigs to sit on when it has hatched to allow it to pump out it's wings (might be an idea to put some in the container when you put it outside in case you miss the emergence).
Again, as they are large caterpillars they will make a lot of mess! Hygiene is the most important thing with regard to rearing - it'll need daily cleaning (might be an idea to postpone the leaf litter and just place a few kitchen tissues in the bottom of the container to make it easier to clean out. You will know when it will want to pupate amongst leaf litter because it'll stop eating and start wandering).
Good luck, and be prepared for a long wait (and possible disappointment)!
