Spilosoma virginica – Virginian Tiger Moth
7/28/2012 I found some unknown eggs on Lamb's Quarters (Chemopodium)
7/31/2012 The eggs hatched.
8/9/2012 2nd or 3rd instar
8/14/2012 late instar
8/17/2012 I gave the caterpillars the host plant, dry leaves, and soil for choices since I didn't know what they needed for pupating.
8/21/2012 Here's the cocoon in the plastic container. Actually it is two cocoons, because the second caterpillar made its cocoon right on top of the first cocoon. I was afraid to take the lid off the container for fear of damaging the pupae.
8/29/2012 After a few days, when both cats had cocooned, and I was sure that they had made pupas, I took the lid off. I was getting worried that it was going to get moldy in the container.......this is the cocoon from the top.
9/3/2012 Spilosoma virginica - Virginian Tiger Moth
Betsy Higgins
Western Massachusetts
edited by Marcie O'Connor