Papilio machaon eggs for sale
Dear all, a clear sign that sun is finally shining in Europe: Papilio machaon eggs are available again for sale, you can find them in our shop.
Every year, wild females lay eggs on fennels at the time to breed facility. We rear the caterpillars and the result is a good batch of big and healthy pupae. This is our starting point for the season, as we will amplify the line and always get them mixed with wild animals, in order to keep the bloodline strong. Most stocks came from north Italy, where Papilio machaon is quite abundant. This species is one of the most beautiful native butterflies and one of our favorites, as it was one of the first species reared as children. We will have Papilio machaon eggs of this species available throughout all spring and summer.
Papilio machaon eggs, the old world swallowtail
A note from literature: the latin name of this butterfly is derived from ancient greek mythology. According to Diogenes Laertius, Machaon (/məˈkeɪən/; Ancient greek: Μᾰχάων Makhāōn) was a son of Asclepius. With his brother Podalirius, he led an army from Thessaly in the Trojan war on the side of the Greeks. Both of them were valuable surgeons and medics.
A peculiarity: Papilio machaon caterpillars show a special organ, called osmeterium. The osmeterium is a defensive organ situated in the prothoracic segment of the larval body. All members of the Papilionidae family present this peculiar structure. The osmeterium is normally inverted and not visible, when the larvae feels threatened, the organ is everted and emits a disagreeable odor that can repel predators.
Visit leps.it for valuable information and amazing pictures of this stunning butterfly.
How to hatch Papilio machaon eggs
Old world swallowtail eggs are known to hatch in 5-8 days depending on temperature, the higher the faster is the process. Such tight timings are the reason why we strongly suggest to order them by express courier. Papilio machaon eggs will be shipped inside a plastic ultracentrifuge test tube, which protects their integrity. Once you have received them, gently remove the eggs from the tube and locate them into a plastic Petri dish or a similar container. They become dark the day before hatching, wait until the first caterpillar is out before adding food into the dish/box you are using.
MACHAN BOX, complete setup for Papilio machaon rearing
If you want to embrace the experience of rearing Papilio machaon, starting from the eggs, a perfect choice is our new MACHAON BOX, which is the complete and professional setup to successfully rear and breed the old world swallowtail. All the materials are high quality and reusable, let this be the first of a series of experiences!
The MACHAON BOX includes:
- 1 x Rearing Cage for Lepidoptera 40x40x60cm
- 2 x Plastic Petri dish 80x15mm
- 2 x Plastic Rearing Box with Lid 100x60mm
- 1 x Anatomical tweezers
- 16 x Papilio machaon eggs
- Breeding protocols and didactical material (Only in Italian)
- Full support
Papilio machaon eggs, shipping policy
Papilio machaon eggs are shipped from Italy. We DO NOT assume responsibility for eggs hatching during travel for any eggs order which is sent outside Italy with priority shipping option. As always we will try to reship or refund when possible, but this cannot be guaranteed. If you order with courier, delivery will be tracked and guaranteed, very recommended! Is possible to buy Papilio machaon eggs from the US by selecting the “express courier” option.
If you need any additional information please write at info@timetobreed.com