Bedstraw Hawkmoth

[IAC]

Hi all,
Found 5 larvae today that I believe are Bedstraw Hawkmoth...unsure. Feeding on Willowherb sp. If they are what I think they are....does anyone have any info on there lifecycle from this stage onwards. What would be my chances of rearing them to adulthood....would be very interesting indeed. Any help much appreciated.

Iain.

[Mikhail]

They are said to be easy to rear as larvae. They will overwinter as pupae. Just keep them in a cool place and you should be successful. I think you're right about their identity.

M.

[ChrisC]

a great find. looks good for bedstraw.

[IAC]

Hi Mikhail and Chris...thanks for replies...I may try and rear at least one of now 6 Bedstraw Hawk Cats. Chances are that they will not survive a Scottish winter anyway. I have heard that there were a good number of Bedstraws in the UK this year...was not lucky enough to see the adults, but these caterpillars are just about as good as it gets. Thanks again.

Iain.

[Mikhail]

The Bedstraw Hawkmoth, like the Camberwell Beauty, mostly comes to us from northern Europe. It is not a southerner like the Spurge Hawkmoth. Winter temperatures should not be of concern. Possibly damp may be a greater problem for the overwintering pupae. It has been known to establish itself in GB for a few years after invasions. So maybe you'll have some emerging next year after all.

M.

[NickB]

BC Scotland posted a great pic of what to expect from those cats.....
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid= ... =1&theater
Good luck...
N

[IAC]

Hi Mikhail,
One of the larvae reached final instar then promptly vanished...I have taken one of the larvae into my care now...I believe it to be entering its final moult, I have plenty foodplant, and will keep an eye on its progress. If I am successful enough to get to the pupation stage...I would be over the moon to see that. There are 4 more larvae that are quite far behind at 2nd instar...entering third....I would love to see if they can survive naturally..but that would be very difficult to do. I shall update on progress of my captive project Bedstraw Hawk.

Hi Nick....I had just been sent this very photo as both my larvae and his adult will appear in the next Scottish e news....which is quite exciting. That adult, another only a few miles from me and my larvae all found in the Scottish Borders. As I said to Mikhail...I shall endeavour to update progress of the larvae and hopefully pupation.

Iain.