The Polyphemus Moth (Antheraea polyphemus) larvae are almost all grown and they do make a spectacular caterpillar. Rather accordion-like in shape these caterpillars seem to be formed from angles and have a very odd appearance. The larvae are in their 4th and 5th instars and will soon be spinning their silken cocoons. Their bright green coloration may seem extraordinary and bright, but when these larvae are wandering about on the leaves of their host plant willow, they are nearly invisible.
Hi! Just wondering how long the polyphemus caterpillars spent in their cocoons?
ReplyDeleteAlso, do you know if these caterpillars go into diapause during fall/winter in central Florida?
Thanks!
Hi Veronica,
ReplyDeleteThe Polyphemus moths that went to cocoon in mid to late May have been emerging throughout the month of August. The rearing lab is kept air conditioned around 75-79 degrees which may slow the process down a bit.
The book "Caterpillars of Eastern North America" by David Wagner lists Polyphemus moths as overwintering in cocoon but in Florida they can be found nearly year-round.
As to diapause in the winter, I would say yes: This past winter I was camping in the Tallahassee area during one of the cold snaps (not the most comfortable camping weather!) and found a number of Polyphemus larvae had fallen out of the trees in the morning. Some appeared to still be in diapause but some appeared to have been killed by the freeze.
Most northern areas of the country see one brood of these moths. From the Ohio Valley southward you will find two broods a year. Texas, Florida and some other Gulf Coast states will have the moths throughout all but the coldest parts of the year.
Hope this helps even though it was somewhat rambling of a response!
Over two months! Wow! I am surprised to hear it takes so long. This is helpful to know...
ReplyDeleteHere is another question: you said you were feeding them willow leaves... when did the caterpillars hatch and how long did they spend eating before making their cocoons?
I have one polyphemus caterpillar in cocoon right now. From hatching to cocoon was nearly 60 days. I fed sand laurel oak leaves and kept it out on the back porch in a "caterpillarium" of my own design.
I am just curious to know how long your cats spent eating since I believe the total life span varies significantly with diet and temperature conditions.
I collected the eggs in early April so it took them right around the 60 day mark to mature and pupate. They were reared entirely on willow.
ReplyDeleteI did find one additional mature larva on a wax myrtle tree just outside the door to the rearing lab. I collected it and put him in with the others.
Thanks for the info... You have a great blog!
ReplyDeleteJust glad there are people who enjoy it!
ReplyDeleteIf you ever want to see a post or more info on anything in particular, just let me know!