Tiger moth caterpillar found today

evilater · #1 (**permalink**) 25-06-2010, 09:51 PM

Hello,
I'm so excited that I had to sign up to this site just to let someone know.
This evening while watering my garden I found a black hairy caterpillar crawling away on the lawn.
I instantly called my 5 year old to come and have a look and we have put it in an old tank to watch and see if it will turn into a moth.
I have done some research and I think it is for a tiger moth.
As it was on the lawn I'm not sure what it is going to want to eat so I have picked a leaf off all the nearby bushes... that happen to be all the types of plant they like... I think it has just started eating the dandelion.
any tips and advice would be so gratefully recieved. This is a fantastic learning experience for my son.
We have decided that if it has not eaten and if it looks unhappy in the morning to let it go so that it will survive but I would love to see it turn into a moth.

Za · #2 (**permalink**) 25-06-2010, 10:07 PM

Hiya, welcome to WAB, nice to hear about your caterpillar, there are several members here who will be able to give you sound advice about how to look after it, hopefully someone will be up late

Za

Jonners · #3 (**permalink**) 25-06-2010, 10:17 PM

Well done evilater. And welcome to WAB.
It is exciting when we discover new things, and even more so when we can share them with children, opening up a whole new horizon of possibilities for them, even in their back garden!

I reckon your caterpillar will probably be happy with dandelion leaves, plantains, dock etc. try them and see. I hope someone will come along soon and tell you a bit more about how best to keep them, where they pupate and for how long etc.

Well done, and I hope you keep finding new things to share.

Naturenutz · #4 (**permalink**) 25-06-2010, 10:55 PM

Hi evilator,once you have definately found the correct id you can look it up on the net to find the different stages of development.Some caterpillars bury in leaf litter to pupate other may pupate high on a leaf/tree branch etc so its important to get a correct identification.If you keep the caterpillar in a tank of some kind and it starts to pupate keep a small shallow dish of water in with it too keep some moisture in the tank,this prevents the moth from being trapped in its pupa case in too dry conditions.There have been cases where they are unable to escape the pupa case if conditions are too dry in a captive tank .Some of the other experts with more experience will add further advice i am sure

evilater · #5 (**permalink**) 26-06-2010, 09:37 PM

Wow!!!
Thanks for your encouraging responses.
The update is...
the caterpiller is eating dandelion leaves, which is a relief, as this was my main worry.
it is pooing and eating and moving about quite happily in it's new home.
I have put a layer of compost in the bottom as i have heard that moths pupate underground?
it also has some shrubby branches and lots of dandelion leaves to live in and on and eat.
My next intrigue is to see how and when it pupates.
my research has told me it will probably be soon.
I would like to know how this happens, but am quite excited about watching and learning too.
Thanks for the advice about the moisture levels.
any more tips will be great.