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Post by satyrinae on Jan 8, 2015 20:41:55 GMT
Hi people, What is the best way to overwinter Satyrinae larvae please? I tried to put the larvae in plastic boxes on dry leaves but they seem to dry out. I put a few drops of water and mould immediately begins to form. I tried to experiment with Melanargia galathea larvae but it seems I failed even with the easiest of the species :-( Thanks Jonathan www.satyrinae.yolasite.com/ |
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Post by wollastoni on Jan 8, 2015 21:11:31 GMT
And I have the same question for Lycaenidae larvae !  |
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cormion
New Aurelian
Posts: 6 
Country: France
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Post by cormion on Jan 12, 2015 11:08:38 GMT
For Lycaenidae larvae, it depends of the species.
So, it's not easy to explain precisely the way to follow for each species on a forum.
For example, you have to notice concerning Polyommatinae species which larvae overwinter that the overwintering process depends if the larvae overwinter in eggs or after hatching in L1, L2 or L3.
Overwintering eggs is quite easy (but need some experience), but Polyommatus larvae are fragile and need more care.
It's especially true for the species which larvae overwinter after hatching in L1. The problem is the same as Radovan explained for Satyrinae.
Nevertheless, two techniques are quite good, especially for Lycaeninae species:
1. For species like L. alciphron or L. hippothoe, you can leave the larvae on the foodplant outside on a secure place.
In past, I used personnaly a place in shadow on my balcony where I placed my Rumex plants covered with net (=gaze).
You have to be carfeul to humidity and moisture, because you have to put some water regularly.
You have also to look after small predators (spiders, earwing, etc.) and take usual precaution : for example don't let the jar on the ground.
2. Currently, I put my overwintering larvae in a cardboard box with few sheet leaf dries at the end of october, then I put the box in my cave.
The upper side of the box is covered with net in order to let a good circulation of fresh air.
In my cave temperature is always about 10° C and no daylight. Twice a month I vaporize fresh water with a water spray.
This technique produce very good results - no predation, easy control of humidity -.
Obviously, some larvae died (You have to remove it) but in low number.
Yvan
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Post by EarlyStages on Jan 28, 2015 9:20:23 GMT
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Post by wollastoni on Jan 28, 2015 19:29:42 GMT
Keith, welcome on the forum !
Thank you for those very interesting techniques !
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