PROCEEDIXOS, )0H! 21 



LARVA REARING 



By G. O. Day, F.K.S. 



As a subject specially applicable to Ijoth the systematic and 

 economic phases of Entomology, I have chosen "Larva Rearing" to 

 speak about today. Any fresh information as to the life histories of 

 insects, either injurious or otherwise, is so much gain to both depart- 

 ments. I have had considerable experience in the rearing of the larvae of 

 Lepidoptera, particularly of the English species, and perhap.^ a feu- 

 remarks on the results of my experience may be of use. 



It must be borne in mind that the larvae dealt with are Lepidoptera. 

 but no doubt, hints can be oljtained for the treatment of larvae of other 

 orders. 



The best way to obtain larvae is from eggs, either found in the 

 natural state, or else from captured females. (Captured females may be 

 encouraged to lay in confinement by feeding with syrup or slices of 

 apple. ) Another method is by beating the foliage of trees and shrubs 

 over a beating tray or inverted umbrella. The most profitable times of 

 year for this are in the spring, just after the leaves are out, and in 

 September. The former time will catch hibernated larvae, and those 

 recently hatched from eggs laid the previous autumn. The September 

 beating will secure the larvae which intend to pass the winter in the 

 pupal stage. Instead of beating, I personally prefer to search for the 

 caterpillars by noticing where the leaves have been eaten, and by turning 

 up leaves and branches. Searching low-growing herbage with a lantern 

 after dark is an interesting manner of hunting, and is productive of 

 many species not otherwise observed. 



Having first procured your larvae, the next thing to be considered 

 is the best way to feed them in confinement. You all know the kind of 

 cages that dealers sell for this purpose. They are all very well for 

 some kinds of larvae, but they are not suitable for all. Different species 

 require dififerent treatment, and it is here that success or failure comes in. 

 I will mention several kinds of apparatus that I have found most useful 

 myself. 



In the first place, it is necessary to have small metal boxes, almost 

 airtight, about 3 in. in diameter, glass topped preferred, to keep newly 

 hatched larvae in. Young larvae can be kept in these, certainly until 

 the second moult (but not too crowded), and in some cases for their 

 whole larval existence. The advantage of closely fitting boxes is that 

 the small larvae cannot escape and that the food does not dry up rapidly. 

 Flower pots (all sizes), partly filled with earth or peat, or sawdust and 

 earth, make excellent breeding cages for many kinds of low-feeding 

 caterpillars. The top must be covered by a piece of muslin or even 

 stronger material, tied round by a piece of string. I generally ])ut a small 

 bottle of water inside the flower pot, sinking it in the soil a little way. 



