crino
New Aurelian
Posts: 32 
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Post by crino on Oct 23, 2023 19:42:26 GMT
Good evening,
I got some eggs of Parasemia plantaginis and reared the caterpillars until pupation. Moths are emerging and I would like to continue rearing the species. I just don't get a pairing so the females are laying unfertilised eggs. What can I do to achieve a pairing? Is handpairing possible?
Thank you!
crino
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Post by Adam Cotton on Oct 24, 2023 9:46:42 GMT
I don't know about hand-pairing moths, but I suppose it must be possible. I guess that it will be easier to hold these Arctiinae in the right position than many types of moths. I certainly would recommend trying.
Alternatively, maybe contact whoever sent you the eggs, maybe they know the answer.
Adam.
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crino
New Aurelian
Posts: 32
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Post by crino on Oct 24, 2023 20:46:46 GMT
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Post by Adam Cotton on Oct 24, 2023 22:23:04 GMT
I suspect that if you hold them with wings up like a butterfly to pair them they will fold their wings flat after you put them down.
With Papilios you hold the pair in position until the male copulates. At that time the male's antennae and legs will stop moving and if you hold them for a little while longer you can then gently release the male from your grip. If he continues to hang limply from the female abdomen you can then carefully place the female on a surface that she can hold on to, and they should continue pairing. Sometimes the male will come loose, and if so you have to try the whole process again.
Adam.
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