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How to Get Moth Larvae

Raising moths illustrates the life cycle of many insects. Depending on the species of moth, the caterpillar will develop through 4 to 5 instars, or moltings, growing a little each time. Moth larvae are available through a variety of scientific supply companies, but many varieties are available on local plants. Both moths and butterflies belong to the order Lepidoptera. Unless you have enough experience to recognize each species as it changes through each instar, you may end up with both moth and butterfly larvae.

Things You'll Need

Scissors
Jar
Muslin
Rubber band
Camera

Instructions

- 1
  Locate the specific plants that attract the species of moth you're trying to find. For example, larvae of the huge and beautiful Luna moth eat walnut and sweetgum leaves. Cabbage moths lay eggs on vegetables such as lettuce, cabbage and broccoli.
- 2
  Look around the base of the plant for castings (feces) or the shed skin of growing caterpillars. Look for lacy or cut sections of leaves. This indicates caterpillars have been feeding on the leaves. If you see these signs, look around until you find the caterpillar.
- 3
  Cut the stem below the caterpillar, keeping at least one leaf with the caterpillar. Don't touch the caterpillar. Right after molting, the larva is very fragile, and handling it can be fatal. In addition, cutting the plant at a point where you can keep a leaf assures that you have some of the caterpillar's chosen food.
- 4
  Place the caterpillar and the stem in a large glass jar. Place a piece of muslin over the mouth of the jar and secure it with a rubber band.
- 5
  Take a picture of the plant the caterpillar was eating. This helps you identify the type of food your caterpillar needs.

Insects & Science