Luna (Actias luna) caterpillar -- parasitized & found dying in forest
general area of UTM 18T 0402078, 4957787
found in area of Shagbark hickory, Blue beech and other hardwoods at
Murphy's Point Provincial Park on north side of Black Ance Road (old ski trail).
The caterpillar was found on the ground and looked dead, but moved slightly
when I examined it. There were blackened areas and a few punctures into its body
in several spots (only one of these visible in this photo as most were on the
other side). After seeing similar black areas and small holes in a Cecropia caterpillar
found at the farm the next day, I suspect the cause of these black areas
and punctures is somewhat similar -- made by a parasite of some sort.
The best info I know of offhand is to go to Bill Oehlke's website and look for his Luna Moth page. He explains how to keep the cocoons until the moth ecloses in a few months. The cocoons of most of the large moths must be kept for a few months.
Guest
17-Oct-2009 12:43
we just found one on the sidewalk in atlanta. want to help it. what do i feed it?
Guest
14-Sep-2009 06:32
Sorry, I should have added that I found him in early september in Lanark County.
Guest
14-Sep-2009 06:27
I found one of these guys on a sidewalk heading for the road. I thought it might be going into metamorphoses so I rescued it from impending doom and put him in a large clear container at home. The next morning it has gone into the pupa stage and had spun the cacune. The one I have has a brown head though.
Ivan
29-Aug-2009 20:39
I found one almost identical...Except the Head ,was almost Human skinned..Of color..I still have it Now...