Attacus Atlas cross Attacus lorquinii: a very pleasant surprise

Tonight we had a very pleasant surprise. One male A. atlas spontaneously paired with a freshly emerged A. lorquinii female. This is the first time we see this cross happening naturally.

In this article we will provide you some informations about these two species and how they manage to be crossed easily.

Rearing and breeding Attacus atlas

Breeding and rearing Lepidoptera in general is broadly explained in our Lepidoptera breeding section, visit it to discover the fantastic world of butterflies and moth in captivity. Here we explain how to care about giant Atlas moth cocoons once you have received them at home.

Attacus atlas, how to care about cocoons

The A. atlas moth cocoons will came to your home inside a safe box, remove them as soon as possible and put them on the bottom of a rearing cage. Hanging them is possible but not necessary for their proper emergence. Once the adult exits the cocoon, it is able to climb the cage wall autonomously in order to spread it’s large wings. Keep the cocoons at room temperature, which is fine for them, and spray them often with water. If you want to emulate their native climate conditions, remember to check their local climate (Phrae, Thailand).

Else you can also take into account that all the relevant climate conditions can be found in other areas of South East Asia, where humidity is high and the climate tends to have roughly two main seasons.

Attacus atlas eggs, the cycle starts again

Pairing Attacus atlas is relatively easy in medium size cage with no need to use the handpairing technique. Warm environment is needed to make the male active and ensure a successful copula. Given their short lifespan, the hardest part of breeding this large moth species is having a couple emerging together.

We suggest to buy at least 8-10 cocoons, to increase the possibilities of a mating. Adults emergence is quite unpredictable and can be forced by increasing the temperature over 26C.

Attacus lorquinii, the bright one

Similar to the better known Attacus atlas which is sometimes known as Falena cobra, Attacus lorquinii can be distinguished by the lack of transparent parts in its wings. The caterpillar has a slightly marked color around the tubercles, which are more elongated. The advices given for A. Atlas can be also followed for A. lorquinii: keep the cocoons at room temperature, which is fine for them, and spray them often with water.

If you want to emulate their native climate conditions, remember to check their local climate. There are several plants mentioned in the literature but Ailantus is the one mostly used. Other plants mentioned are Avocado, Mango, Lilac and Citrus, but we advice you to always follow relevant literature regarding breeding.

Learn how to take care about Lepidoptera eggs

Eggs are usually shipped into small plastic tubes. Once received, they need to be moved to a bigger container, allowing caterpillars to have enough space to hatch and move.

Standard 80mm plastic Petri dishes (fig.A) are a very common tools to store the eggs and let the caterpillars hatch inside. Check our Petri dishes. Other kind of small plastic boxes can be used; it is recommended to perform holes or modify the boxes to allow aeration. Close the boxes with a fine mesh, tulle is widely used for this purpose (fig.B). Check our plastic boxes. Avoid the use of medium/big boxes because caterpillars will tend to move a lot and spread inside the box.

For any relevant information needed we are always online at info@timetobreed.com or you could learn more by reading the full article at: Eggs and Pupae care in Butterflies and Moths