I have Vapourer, need a new moth

[carlitos]

Hey all!

I'm not only new to the forum but also to the nature world (if you know what I mean).

So I managed to capture and rear a few Vapourer caterpillars from my garden. I ended up with a couple of females and a male. The male I let go but the females I used to lure in some males for mating.

I managed to get this shot amongst others.



The eggs I returned back the tree I originally found the caterpillars on.

Could anybody tell me if there are any rare and easy to care for caterpillars I can raise for photographing (I live in Dorset)? I need to expand my collection of photos, something like a time line of events/growth.

Of coarse I am careful and delicate with them and return them to the place of capture. I’m not sure if this is the done thing. Please can somebody advise?

Thanks

[carlitos]

Can anybody provide a list of rare moths at least??

[jordanno]

there isnt many rare moths in britain but their is lots of rare migrants im not sure if they breed reguarly in britain and ull be very lucky to ever see them unless you go to speacial places nevermind getting them to mate and breeding them but any way heres a species

dont know any others

oleander hawk moth:a warm climate insect found in numerous numbers around the medertaraian its range does extend northwards into southerern europue and even british shores on rare occasions i doubt you will see this moth definateliy not the catipliilar wich feeds on oleander unless very lucky
http://www.silkmoths.bizland.com/dnerii.htm -for pics

striped hawk moth:this is an ocsional vistor to england and sometimes produces larvare again it might be hard to find the cattapilars feed on fushuias and vines

UKMoths

hope that helps

[carlitos]

Thanks for the reply.

Seems I'm setting my goals too high! I'll stick to what I find rather than looking for anything specific. Although oleander hawk moth is a good looking thing.

I photo'ed a small moth today. Later when I have time I will post up for identifying it.

Cheers

[jordanno]

i know ye i would love to see a oleander hawk moth

[jimfoxy]

Calling a moth 'rare' is very subjective. A lot depends on locality. Why do you want to breed only rare moths? There are many common and rare moths which are equally rewarding to rear.

[carlitos]

I just want something special for my photos... mostly. Some what ambitious I know.

I live near a place called Arne, Dorset. I have heard it sustains a few rare species of moths and lizards unique to the area. What exactly, I do not know.

If I know what to look for then it's a bonus. In time I will learn the various creatures to find.