Butterflies & Moths: Caring for Imagoes

The fundamentals

When keeping and breeding insects, or indeed any animal, in captivity, it is essential to provide them with high quality care that meets their needs and replicates natural conditions as far as possible. The needs of the imago (adult butterfly or moth) are different to those of the egg, caterpillar, and pupa: The two main aspects of insect care are (a) their environment, including the enclosure and conditions they are kept in, and (b) their diet. Getting these aspects right sets you up for a successful insect-rearing process, whilst failing to meet their needs will result in a short lifespan - so it is well worth making the effort. In most instances, it is very simple to meet the needs of your butterflies and moths. Below, we have laid out the necessities for each family of Lepidoptera.

Live eggs and cocoons for sale online UK

Giant Atlas Moth

Attacus atlas imago (adult).

Order here

Giant Silkmoths, Saturnidae

As Giant Silkmoths have no functional mouth parts, very simply, you just need a suitably sized net or enclosure to keep them in. If you are trying to breed the moths, a medium cage (60cm height) is usually best as it gives them room to fly but not get lost. Only one or two pairs per cage is advisable, as males overwhelmed with pheromones will not be able to trace the source accurately. They do not need host plant leaves to lay eggs, so keep the cage clear and allow the moths to lay eggs on the mesh as they can be easily removed later and incubated elsewhere.

Live butterflies and moths for sale online UK. Order eggs, caterpillars, pupae, and cocoons. Watch the lifecycle unfold with insects to rear at home!

Oleander Hawk-moth

Daphnis nerii is a large hawk-moth species that requires hand feeding.

Order here

Hawk-moths, Sphingidae

Many of the hawk-moths do not feed), however some do. For those that feed, a solution of honey water makes a nutritious meal. Hand feeding will typically be necessary in captivity - there are lots of excellent videos on youtube demonstrating this skill. Feeding every second day with honey water at about 1:3 (honey:water) is ideal to provide the moths with hydration and energy.

A medium sized enclosure (60cm height) is ideal to accomodate most hawk-moth species, allowing space for mating and laying eggs. To collect eggs, add some host plant stems or small plants. A larger enclosure (90cm height) may be required if you have a large number of individuals or are breeding multiple species at one time.

Live butterflies and moths for sale online UK. Order eggs, caterpillars, pupae, and cocoons. Watch the lifecycle unfold with insects to rear at home!

Giant Swallowtail butterfly

Papilio cresphontes is one of the largest swallowtail species and is often included in our pupae mixes.

Order here

Swallowtails, Papilionidae

A mid sized enclosure (60cm) is suitable for most swallowtails, however a larger enclosure of 90cm height provides space for the butterflies to exhibit more natural behaviours and may be more enjoyable both for the butterflies and observer.

Hand feeding is necessary for most swallowtails in captivity, unless they are kept in a large naturalistic setup. They may drink nectar from flowers if in a bright or sunny location, but this is typically not sufficient to provide them with energy as the number of flowers you can fit in a cage is limited - still, this is a natural behaviour and should be encouraged by placing flowers in the enclosure if you have some avalable.

Nectar solution can be made with honey or sugar, at a concentration of around 25-30% (one part sugar to three parts water). Mix until the honey/sugar is dissolved into the liquid, then use for feeding. This mixture should be replaced and remade every second day, as sugar and honey will begin to ferment in the water, leading to an increase in ethanol concentration which can kill swallowtails.

Some of our favourite flowers for nectaring butterflies include Buddleia, Verbena, Floss Flower, Red Valerian, Lantana and Mexican Sunflower. These species are all very floriferous and produce lots of nectar. If you plan on rearing butterflies regularly, you may wish to grow flowers of your own.

In a greenhouse or outdoor setup, swallowtails will typically feed readily from flowers and feeders without help, but I’d always recommend hand-feeding on the day after emerging to give the butterflies an energy boost and head start.

Live butterflies and moths for sale online UK. Buy eggs, caterpillars, pupae, and cocoons. Watch the lifecycle unfold with insects to rear at home!

Paper Kite butterfly

Idea leuconoe is part of Danaidae, which is a subfamily of Nymphalidae.

Order here

Brushfoots, Nymphalidae

This is the largest butterfly family and its members are usually the easiest butterflies to feed - you can get them to drink nectar or fruit juices by simply placing the butterfly onto the food source, e.g. sugar/honey water on paper towel, or fruit. Banana is great for butterflies - mushed up with some sugar water or honey, it provides a very rich food source. Sugar water should be provided at a concentration of around 25-30%.

Cage sizes should be selected based on the size and needs of your chosen species, but a minimum of medium size is recommended (60cm height). Larger butterflies will benefit from an enclosure of 90cm in height as this allows ample space to fly, feed and exhibit their natural behaviours.

Heliconidae, the Longwings and Passionvine butterflies, are a subfamily of Nymphalidae and are unique in feeding on pollen in addition to nectar. This is obtained from flowers when collecting nectar, however if few or no flowers are available, this can be substituted with essential amino acids powder which can be readily purchased online and mixed into the butterflies' nectar solution.