Overwintering Wood Nymph (Cercyonis pegala) larvae

[Cris Guppy & Aud Fischer]

Without really qantifying it, I have found that most overwintering
larvae/pupae consider winter to be "over" after a minimum of 4 months
refrigeration. That might give the best results. Longer periods of time
result in much higher mortality, since the food/water reserves of the
larvae/pupae will generally be used up faster in captivity.

-----Original Message-----
From: Bruce Walsh <jbwalsh at u.arizona.edu>
To: Dale Clark <nardoz at earthlink.net>
Cc: leps-l at lists.yale.edu <leps-l at lists.yale.edu>
Date: September 8, 1999 9:11 PM
Subject: Re: Overwintering Wood Nymph (Cercyonis pegala) larvae


>Dale:
>
>You might try the trick that works well with Speyera larvae, which also
>hatch them overwinter without feeding.  Following Sterlin Matton's
>suggestions, I have used small wood blocks with an inch or so hole drilled
>through the middle and then with fine mesh stapled over the hole.  The
>larvae are put inside, and the blocks soaked occasionally in water (water
>level below the hole!) to keep the larvae sufficiently humid.  The blocks
>are put in the regiferator and kep there for about 1-3 months.  The larvae
>are "awoken" by placing them under a bright lamp and also by simulation
>with a camel's hair brush.
>
>Cheers
>
>Bruce
>
>