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Bev Wigney | all galleries >> Galleries >> Caterpillars > Leopard moth -- Hypercompe scribonia -- caterpillar -- view 1
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October 3 - 2003

Leopard moth -- Hypercompe scribonia -- caterpillar -- view 1

Foley Mountain


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Bev Wigney26-Jun-2010 10:36
This is the only information that I know of regarding rearing of these Leopard Moth caterpillars. They aren't the best caterpillars for a project as they require a longer time to pupate, and other specific conditions. Here's a link to a webpage with more information:
http://www.silkmoths.bizland.com/sescribo.htm
Claudette Hoffmann 24-Jun-2010 18:29
Hello caterpillar enthusiasts,
I'm a biochemist, high school science curriculum writer here in Dallas (originally from Queens, NY-land of cement).
So of course I really know nothing about how best to nurture and support one of these Leopard moth caterpillars to pupate stage and then to full grown moth.
I know it is best to leave it outside and let nature do the rest, but there is a great need for inner city kids (I was one) to see all this happen up close and step by step with pictures and process notes.
SO- please would, could you recommend how best to raise this moth from a two inch caterpillar (he's been doing fine with me for about a month and growing) to its pupate stage and then to moth, i.e. how to know it's going to pupate, what kind of space, sticks, etc it needs to set up its pupa, what size container would be best for it to hatch in, and when best to release it. We have a ton of birds where I am living now and so there are very few caterpillars who even make it to 2nd instar (I found this one by accident). Your suggestions are greatly, greatly appreciated. CLRH
Sharon 14-Mar-2010 20:42
I have found a 3"long and about the size of a nickel around caterpillar...all black with orange in the segments...am I looking at a "Leopard moth caterpillar??
Steph 11-Oct-2009 16:57
I have this caterpillar and I'm keeping it to find out how it adapts to life in America. At my school, my science class is learning about adaptations so I thought of finding a project like this was a coincidence in my life.
Bev Wigney27-Dec-2008 14:39
Depending on where you live, if the caterpillar seems quite large and probably fully developed, it may not need at food. It will probably pupate soon, especially if you're in a cooler climate. At the moment, I'm living in Arizona and found a similar caterpillar on the porch. It seems ready to pupate. Up north in Ontario, where I am from, these caterpillars would just pupate in a cold place, so you do not have to provide shelter or warmth. It should do just fine at regular outdoor winter temperatures.
Guest 27-Dec-2008 04:24
you have one? well i found one and kept it around for the kids what do we feed it and what temp should it live in when do they turn?
kirstin 29-Oct-2008 21:25
can these hurt you i fould two around the out side of my house?
Andrew 01-Oct-2008 21:05
I think this caterpillar is kinda creepy but i have one!!!
Kaiton 17-Apr-2008 13:50
omg i love this little cutie caterpiillar i have one of my own