Caterpillar probs

[JackBD95]

1. is it normal for my e.h.m to eat and then sleep/not move for a long time
2. should i feed the smaller caterpillars small leaves( they seem to small to eat at all at the mo)
and
3. how many kinds of caterpillar moult/shed skin

thanks

[JackBD95]

btw e.h.m is elephant hawk moth!!!!!

[k4t3]

I always find that EHM cats feed mostly at night, remaining stationary on lower brances near to the soil level during the day, seemingly asleep and non responsive unless attacked or provoked in some manner.

All caterpillars will (if given the chance) feed with preference on smaller, newer leaves near to the growing tip of a plant simply because they are softer, tastier and more nutritious. Smaller caterpillars will eat the older, bigger leaves, just by eating layers from the leaf instead of the whole thing. However, when rearing cats personally, I try to give them the youngest, freshest food available (less chance of picking up infections, moulds and parasites as well).

All caterpillars shed skins, its the only way that they can grow so fast and so big. Most will undergo 4-5 sheds in a lifetime, each phase inbetween called an instar. It can be confusing as a caterpillar in its 1st instar can be very different to its final form, and many guides and books only show the final instar before pupation....and thats why sites like this, with their member's wealth of experience and knowledge are so valuable!

[JackBD95]

Originally Posted by k4t3

I always find that EHM cats feed mostly at night, remaining stationary on lower brances near to the soil level during the day, seemingly asleep and non responsive unless attacked or provoked in some manner.

All caterpillars will (if given the chance) feed with preference on smaller, newer leaves near to the growing tip of a plant simply because they are softer, tastier and more nutritious. Smaller caterpillars will eat the older, bigger leaves, just by eating layers from the leaf instead of the whole thing. However, when rearing cats personally, I try to give them the youngest, freshest food available (less chance of picking up infections, moulds and parasites as well).

All caterpillars shed skins, its the only way that they can grow so fast and so big. Most will undergo 4-5 sheds in a lifetime, each phase inbetween called an instar. It can be confusing as a caterpillar in its 1st instar can be very different to its final form, and many guides and books only show the final instar before pupation....and thats why sites like this, with their member's wealth of experience and knowledge are so valuable!

woow thanks .... will the caterpillar stay still/go off food when about to moult/pupate!?

[JackBD95]

thanks v.much!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[k4t3]

When a caterpillar is due to pupate, it will often change colour- becoming darker as the pupa case under the skin becomes more visible. They often will become more irritable, thrashing around if touched and will go off their food for a while. Some (inc EHMs) will travel long distances to find their perfect pupation site....even if the perfect site is close by...they still like to motor a bit before settling down!
Pupation sites will be different depending on the species in question, some spin loose webs on floor, some bury themselves in soil and dig a chamber for themselves, some chew up bark and pupate in a cocoon of paper on a tree trunk...its all wonderful nature!!
If this sort of thing really interests u n u want to learn more, start with good general guides like Collins and then move on to more in depth books like Porter. Of course, this site is essential for fast and accurate feedback on a range of nature questions..stay with us, learn, help others and generally meet like minded folk who all enjoy a good debate!

[Lance Morgan]

EHM feed at night and settle low down of foodplant during the day. When ready to pupate they will stop feeding and wander some distance from foodplant to pupate. Hawkmoths they will change colour to dull plum/brown depending on species. EHM take on a dull wax like texture. EHM do not burrow but pull dead leaves, grass and other detritus around them to form a loose cocoon and pupate within that.

[JackBD95]

wow thank you!!!!!