Should I overwinter my moth pupa?

[emmark13]

Hi,

My first post, but the first of many I should think!

My girls and I have been looking after some caterpillars for the last couple of weeks and one has pupated. It's a red case - I think it's some sort of moth.

Anyway, the question is, do I have to overwinter it and if so how?

[triops]

Hi emmark. Well done to rear your caterpillars to the pupal stage. If you post a picture of the larvae (not the pupae), we'll tell you what species they are. In any case, pupating now means, almost certainly, that they will need overwintering. Somewhere like an unheated shed is ideal-they need to be cold for a good while. Don't worry too much about them freezing-remember they survived very well last winter outside with little or no protection. Letting them get warm too early in the spring will be more harmful, leading to early emergence and frostbite!

[emmark13]

Thanks very much! I have tried and tried to get a decent picture of them but don't have a good enough camera. I'm saving up! I'll probably put them in our shed. Fingers crossed!

[emmark13]

I have just noticed a new chrysalis in the tank now! A green one laying on a leaf. Should I overwinter this one as well? Is it general good practice to overwinter any chrysalis if the weather is bad, regardless of species?

[Harry Eales]

Originally Posted by emmark13

I have just noticed a new chrysalis in the tank now! A green one laying on a leaf. Should I overwinter this one as well? Is it general good practice to overwinter any chrysalis if the weather is bad, regardless of species?

Unless you know the identity of the pupa it is not safe yet, to put them away to overwinter them. Some insects have only a week or two in the pupal stage. I wouldn't recommend you put any pupae away for the winter until winter sets in.

Keep them in an unheated room or under the stairs, if there's no central heating pipes there. Putting them in a garage or shed can be a problem. Both can heat up quickly in winter if there's some sunlight.

With unknown pupae they could hatch early next year so bring them out of their overwintering quarters in February at the latest. Never put them in direct sunlight, especially if they are in a glass container, you'll cook them.
Keep them cool and shaded, that's the way they like it.

Harry