Whether you’re a younger scientist in search of information for a venture, a gardener with huge green caterpillars throughout your tomatoes, or you simply need to know what that factor crawling throughout your patio is likely to be, there’s something right here for you.
If you find a furry caterpillar that is white with skinny black horns or hair pencils on the ends, then you definitely’ve found an American dagger moth caterpillar. They eat oak and maple, and once they’re able to spin a cocoon they go for a walk down the tree trunk. That’s if you’re more likely to find them. You can keep this caterpillar and it will spin a cocoon. The moth is a pretty grey number with pale and darkish markings.
The ebook I have says they overwinter beneath leaves, underneath logs and beneath bark. Where I live, it stays heat enough that the caterpillars don’t overwinter so I haven’t any first hand knowledge of it, BUT read this article and see if it helps answer your questions. From what I’ve read, the hot button is to keep it in it’s natural circumstances – exterior within the cold and it seems like that’s what you are doing. If it’s overwintering, then it will not be energetic (shifting). I’d leave it outdoors so it overwinters properly and preserve checking on the little man when the weather warms up. Good luck with all the pieces!
We have documented that the Giant Leopard Moth shall be in the cocoon for 23 days. I have not seen this documented anyplace else on the web. However, I know temperature can affect this, and in cooler climates it may take longer than 23 days. Our information had been taken in the course of the warmth of summer time (June) in Florida. Thank you for the knowledge! I just discovered one late last evening on my front sidewalk in Dallas, TX and my son is so excited to care for it and watch it flip right into a moth!