Luna moths

[Stylopidae]

In about a week, I am going buggin in an area where I have found luna moths before.

Can anyone tell me how to get these guys to lay eggs?

How about what the larvae will eat?

 

[nomad85]

"In New Jersey and states of that general latitude, caterpillars consume hickory, walnut, and sweetgum. Double brooded stock first appears from late April to May with the second brood appearing nine to eleven weeks later.

In the more southern latitudes, larvae favour persimmon. Adult moths fly at eight to ten week intervals starting in March, allowing for at least three broods. Adult Actias luna have been taken in every month in Louisiana.

Gravid female moths lay 4-6 gray-brown cylindrical eggs with concave tops on the underside of food plant leaves. Females have a capacity of 150-250 eggs. Incubation time is 8-13 days depending on temperature and humidity. Females readily deposit eggs in inflated brown paper sandwich or grocery bags for those who wish to rear this species.

Caterpillars, which grow to approximately 3.5 inches (9 cm.), are predominantly green throughout their five instars and spend roughly one week in each stage except the longer fifth instar. Larvae which are going to overwinter in the pupae/cocoon stage take on a dark amber or burgundy-brown colouration just prior to spinning cocoons.

Some caterpillars will use a leaf wrap while others descend to spin up among whatever ground protection they can find. Mature larvae "clear their guts" with a loose, runny stool just prior to cocooning."


http://www3.islandtelecom.com/~oehlkew/zlunmoth.htm