Phases of the moon.

There is a beautiful family of moths called the Silk Moths or the Saturniidae family. This family includes many very large moths from around the world. We are all excited today as we have had some fantastic emergence going on from our cocoon collection in the moth nets. The species in question is the absolutely stunning Indian Moon Moth Actias selene. These have been a real delight to rear from eggs and we have had great fun. The caterpillars fed on cherry leaves and grew enormous. They spun gorgeous golden silk cocoons wrapped in the fresh cherry leaves and although they are silk moths, the silk holds no commercial value. Now having waited patiently, they are emerging, pumping up their wings and fluttering around the house. Unfortunately they soon break those amazing swallow tails and as they can not feed in their adult state, die shortly after mating and within ten days. Such a shame, but tomorrow one lucky school will delight in having them in their classroom for the day as they will be roadshow special extra - such is the luck of the draw!