Citheronia regalis, Egg Care,
Dry Envrionment

by Matt Curtis

Matt Curtis sent me a short note on care of Citheronia regalis eggs in dry environment (Arizona).

He writes, "Just a quick note on regalis ova that you might find interesting. I received a couple of dozen ova from your dad in an exchange this summer. I’ve tried to rear these a few times before, but was never successful in getting the ova through. Your dad and I had the same idea, concerning our low humidity, so I placed the ova one or two to a covered container along with a small wad of dampened paper toweling. I opened the lids daily to check on the damp towel and provide fresh air. Well, it seemed to work and I believe I had near 100% success. Now the giant devils are starting to pupate, so I’ll try the old paper in tub trick with them since it sure worked well with the splendens."

The same practice would probably also apply to eggs of other species in the dry conditions of the southwestern United States.

Use your browser "Back" button to return to the previous page.