Birch Dagger larva - Acronicta betulae

Moved

… Kevin Firth, 16 September, 2009 - 12:09pm

Acronicta betulae

A friend forwarded these to David Wagner and he was kind enough to identify them as Acronicta betulae. The larger ones are now about 3.5cm. I have since found two more larvae and all but one seems to be feeding well. I will continue to post updates and new pics if/when they make it to pupation.

… Kevin Firth, 16 September, 2009 - 6:23am

Moved

Moved from Dagger Moths.

… Kevin Firth, 16 September, 2009 - 6:17am

Moved

Moved from Underwings.

… Kevin Firth, 13 September, 2009 - 9:05pm

You may be right

I found a smaller larva on the same tree that looked like it might be Acronicta, which I also placed in the cage. It has since molted and now appears to be the same species as this one. I will add the earlier instar photo to this one. I also added some paper towels to the cage.

… Kevin Firth, 13 September, 2009 - 12:13pm

This looks more like Acronicta to us.

But either way pupation time seems right and we'll all find out soon (if they're not parasitized!)

… john and jane balaban, 13 September, 2009 - 11:24am

...funny you should mention that...

I collected the smaller larva immediately after chasing away a small (1cm) wasp that was close to it. Not sure what kind of wasp it was (probably a Braconid), but didn't want to take any chances. I hope that I got to it before the wasp was able to lay its egg(s). So far so good--it has gone through a molt since I collected it, though that doesn't necessarily prove anything. I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

… Kevin Firth, 13 September, 2009 - 6:15pm

yay!

if they have fresh food, have been eating and refuse food maybe they are ready to pupate. put some folded paper towels on the bottom of the cage and see.
they will crawl under if they are ready, and youll be all set.
then leave them someplace where they wont get flooded and can feel the weather till next year. they will come out at the right time and you will know who they are. theres a good article on rearing them at well just google wlss silkmoth and scroll till you find the catocala part.

… Edna Woodward, 13 September, 2009 - 11:02am