A Bug's Life

• Tuesday, April 4, 2006 - Painted Lady Butterfly (Vanessa cardui)

Posted in PaintedLady

By Dad brought us home some Painted Lady Butterfly larvae (see picture 1). In the few days that it has been here, it has almost tripled its body size! The larvae like to feed on thistle plants, but the adult will lay eggs on a wide variety of plants if there is no thistle available.

1. Larvae. Note the consumed plant and droppings, as well as the "thorns" on the thistle.

2. Adult on Lilac flowers.

Photo credits:

1. Whitney Cranshaw

2. David Cappaert

www.insectimages.org

• Tuesday, April 11, 2006 - Rearing

Posted by mothman

Nice post! I just posted some more pictures on my blog. Cool forum. I rear all sorts of stuff, mainly moths. I am currently rearing callosamia promethea inside because the leaves are not out yet and I have to bring cherry branches inside to sprout leaves. I rear about 300 caterpillars of promethea to cocoons a year, any more they would be impossible to rear! I am planning to rear 13 different giant silk moth species this year, a few butterflies, and a bunch of sphingidae species.

Jonathon

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About The Entomologist

A place where I post my many insect experiences. I am blessed to be the son of a wonderful man who has a doctorate in entomology, and a beautiful woman who lets me kill bugs in the freezer.