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About Teddy Kesting-Handly
Expertise
I can answer almost any question pertaining to Butterflies, Moths, Fireflies, dragonflies, scorpions, honeybees, wasps, and bumblebees. I specialize in Butterflies, Moths, and Scorpions and I will be able to tell you how to care for it, identifying it, keeping it healthy, and diagnose diseases or fungi infection of any sort (with scorpions, it is more difficult but I will try). I am very good with treating bites and stings, ask if you have any questions regarding that. PLEASE, NO QUESTIONS ABOUT MITES/LICE/CLOTHES BUGS/OR ANYTHING TOO SMALL TO SEE AS I WON'T BE ABLE AND WON'T ANSWER YOU. If you have an emergency (someone got bit and you don't know if it's dangerous) email: butterfly_identification@hotmail.com and I should get back to you within the hour.

Experience
I work at the Museum of Science in Boston Mass. as a Butterfly Garden volunteer. I have studied and raised butterflies and moths since 2003. I have a pet scorpion and a large assortment of butterflies and have a fair amount of information on all. I have successfully bred many species of butterflies and moths and can identify most on the spot. I have experience in treating fungal infections and disease in many insects.

Organizations
Museum of Science, Boston MA

Education/Credentials
High School- 11th Grade Taken a Biology exam at a college advanced level (93/100 final score)

You are here: Experts > Science > Insects/Spiders > Entomology (Study of Bugs) > Giant Leopard Moth Caterpillar

Entomology (Study of Bugs) - Giant Leopard Moth Caterpillar

Expert: Teddy Kesting-Handly - 11/1/2009

Question
My son is a HUGE bug lover and he's always coming in from outside with something. A few weeks ago he found some big black fuzzy caterpillars and I did some research and found out that they were the Giant Leopard Moth Caterpillars. How do I care for them? I think it would be really neat for my kids to see them form into their cocoon and then come out as the moth. He's had them for almost a month now and my other question was how long does it take?

Answer
Sheena,

This species has overwintering larvae. What you want to do, is when they get large enough put them in a sealed tupperware container with some leaves from one of their numerous hostplants. Put the entire set-up in the refrigerator until springtime. When the weather is warm, take them out and continue feeding them. They'll pupate and then two to five weeks the moth will emerge. Make sure they are actually Giant Leopard Moths. There are other species that look similar. If it rolls up in a ball, and there are red stripes then most likely it is a Giant Leopard Moth.

Best,

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