elephant moth

[Two_Sheds]

It will pupate in the soil until May when it will emerge as an adult

I might capture it and overwinter in the shed, what do you think?

If it would naturally overwinter outside in the soil, then it would be kindest to provide it with a goodly layer of soil to do so: in a container in your shed if your shed isn't too warm

[Dekzion]

Heres a few pics showing the soil container and the cocoon after it had hatched, the soil under the tin that I put the food in is stuck together by the silk that it weaved when it went into hibernation so to speak

Umm,, yes, I photographed the life out of it I'm afraid, well, you only get one chance dont you??? but I can only upload 5.

[Dekzion]

Sorry, just had to upload this one too,, Same as Nico's?

[Two_Sheds]

Thanks Dekzion, interesting to see what the pupa looks like (a poo!)

You've inspired me to have a go at raising my own little moth, if I can find that Privet Hawk caterpillar that was in my garden last week ...

[Dekzion]

Go for it buddy, we expect pictures of course next spring!!

[islandman]

It has gone, "to ground" I suspect and despite trailing my fingers through loose soft debris, bit of log and stones, the elusive elephant hawk moth caterpillar has decided it is time to go.

Strangely enough, we must have about 12/18 fuchsia of varying size yet it was this one, close to the front door that it made it's own.

[Dekzion]

I thought I'd lost mine a couple of times, but it was just hanging around looking like an old stump, on the day that I decided to cage it, it's fellow muncher went on a hike, seriousely! from being on the same square metre of plants for weeks to marching off on a mission heading due south. it was determined to leave.
the one I caged didn't go underground for a couple of days so perhaps yours could still be in the area, I can imagine how you feel now though, lets hope you can spot it.
One thing that I did notice though was that it, both actually, had changed their diet from leaves to flowers in the last couple of days, hope this helps.

[islandman]

that's interesting too, as our's was eating a flower yesterday and my wife says she thought it's colour was darker.

[islandman]

It was quite encouraging to see such a response to my first post but clearly I have not understood the rules of this site, so rather than cause any more unwanted and rude replies from your moderators, I will no longer post. Thanks to all those who did reply courteously.

[CDave]

It was quite encouraging to see such a response to my first post but clearly I have not understood the rules of this site, so rather than cause any more unwanted and rude replies from your moderators, I will no longer post. Thanks to all those who did reply courteously.

Well I must be missing something. Have read - and re-read the thread - and still think its great?

[Dekzion]

It was quite encouraging to see such a response to my first post but clearly I have not understood the rules of this site, so rather than cause any more unwanted and rude replies from your moderators, I will no longer post. Thanks to all those who did reply courteously.

HUHH?

[FionaH]

It was quite encouraging to see such a response to my first post but clearly I have not understood the rules of this site, so rather than cause any more unwanted and rude replies from your moderators, I will no longer post. Thanks to all those who did reply courteously.

If you mean this http://www.growfruitandveg.co.uk/gra...tml#post746410 Then Zazen merely responded in the same tone as you did. The instructions for the Growing techniques board are very clear.

[zazen999]

It was quite encouraging to see such a response to my first post but clearly I have not understood the rules of this site, so rather than cause any more unwanted and rude replies from your moderators, I will no longer post. Thanks to all those who did reply courteously.

Erm; if you order us to Move it! then we will respond accordingly!

[catbasket]

... I will no longer post ...

Your loss.