Oak Silk-moth Care

Eggs should be kept in closed plastic containers to prevent them drying out. Typically, a light brown colour, spherical with two slightly flattened sides. They do not change shape or colour, a large indent appearing can indicate the eggs are sterile. When the eggs start hatching, the young caterpillars will benefit from extra humidity at this time, which can be applied by finely misting the inside lid of the container - do not spray directly onto the eggs or allow them to sit in water droplets as this can drown the embryo or cause mould to grow, killing the developing caterpillar before it can hatch.

The best host plants for these moths include: Oak, Birch, Willow, Alder, Hawthorn, and other related plants.

You can add leaves to their container once the caterpillars hatch, but do not add any prior to this as leaves will release moisture and this often causes the eggs to mould before hatching. I prefer to transfer hatchlings to a new container so that eggs are not affected. Pupation typically occurs around 5-6 weeks after the caterpillar hatches from the egg. Rear in mesh cages from L3. This species naturally occurs in a similar climate to our own, so actually does very well caged or sleeved outdoors during spring and summer.

When caterpillars are mature and fully-grown, they will find somewhere to construct a papery cocoon. Often this is among the leaves and branches of their host plant, however they will also spin a cocoon against any flat surfaces. Once the cocoon is constructed, the caterpillar becomes immobile inside, shedding its skin a final time to become a pupa.

Cocoons can be left in situ unless you need the enclosure for rearing other species. Spring and summer cocoons usually emerge within 2-4 weeks, while late summer/autumn cocoons will typically overwinter.

Adult moths require minimal care. They do not eat, having no mouth parts, requiring only ample space to fly. A 60cm mesh cage would be ample size for around 10 adults, whilst a 90cm cage could accommodate larger numbers. Both are available to purchase on this site. Breeding occurs easily with good air flow.