Home >> Science & Nature >> Insects & Science

How to Feed an Io Moth Caterpillar

Io moth caterpillars might have subdued, pale or green coloration, but they also boast stinging spines. These spines protect them from birds and any other creatures that might otherwise view the caterpillars as a tasty snack. Io moth caterpillars are also unusual in that they eat a wide range of plants; most species are restricted to one or a handful of plants. This means feeding an io moth caterpillar is quite straightforward. If you don't have the caterpillar's first choice of leaf, you can normally find an alternative within most gardens and green spaces.

Things You'll Need

Paper cups
Paper towels
Rose, oak, cotton, hibiscus, blackberry, willow, apple, beech or clover leaves

Instructions

- 1
  Note which plant the caterpillar you plan to raise was feeding on. This is the best choice, if there is an abundant supply. Otherwise select one of the alternatives, such as apple leaves.
- 2
  Dampen a piece of scrunched-up paper towel and place it at the bottom of a paper cup. This keeps the leaves fresh, without being a drowning risk to caterpillar.
- 3
  Push a leafy twig from the host plant into the cup.
- 4
  Push another leafy twig into another paper towel and paper cup arrangement, once the caterpillar has nearly eaten the first leaves.
- 5
  Place the second arrangement beside the first, letting the twigs touch each other, and allow the caterpillar to crawl across of its own accord. Handling the caterpillar could result in an itchy sting to you or damage to the caterpillar.
- 6
  Repeat until the caterpillar pupates.

Insects & Science