Small Tortoishell pupa
Posted: Fri Oct 11, 2013 12:22 pm
Some weeks ago I saw a very late batch of newly hatched Tortoishell caterpillars and I thought I would try rearing a few (5).
When it got colder 3 weeks ago I brought them into the warmer conservatory and they have overtaken their wild siblings (of whom some at least are still caterpillars) and pupated last week. I am getting worried about the survival of them both lots.
My questions are: Before they hibernate do they need to feed? It is quite likely it will be too cold outdoors when they hatch and I'm not sure if there will be much left for them to fatten up on anyway, so would it be any good to create an 'artifical flower' with watered down honey and try too keep them indoors for a couple of days or will they just battle against the windows to get out?
When it got colder 3 weeks ago I brought them into the warmer conservatory and they have overtaken their wild siblings (of whom some at least are still caterpillars) and pupated last week. I am getting worried about the survival of them both lots.
My questions are: Before they hibernate do they need to feed? It is quite likely it will be too cold outdoors when they hatch and I'm not sure if there will be much left for them to fatten up on anyway, so would it be any good to create an 'artifical flower' with watered down honey and try too keep them indoors for a couple of days or will they just battle against the windows to get out?