Terminology

Understanding the relevant terminology when rearing insects is important and helps you know exactly what you are ordering. The following terms are used commonly.

  • Ova(e) = eggs.

  • Larva(e) = caterpillars.

  • Pupa(e) / chrysalis = not to be confused with a cocoon, the pupa or chrysalis is formed after the caterpillar has finished feeding. The adult butterfly or moth develops inside and emerges once mature.

  • Cocoon = a protective case made from silk by the larva, used to protect the developing pupa until the adult emerges. The cocoon is not alive, it is essentially made from regurgitated plant matter. People often believe that butterflies make cocoons, however they do not, only larvae of certain moth species spin protective cocoons. Most butterflies do not produce a protective cocoon.

  • Instar = the stage of larval development. Shortened to an L-number, e.g. L1 = first instar, L5 = fifth instar. Typically, larvae go through 5 instars, however some smaller species are capable of skipping instars, whilst larger species may have a sixth or seventh instar.

  • Imago = the adult butterfly or moth.

  • Nymph = this refers to the immature stages of stick and leaf insects.

  • Lepidoptera = butterflies and moths.

  • Entomology = the study of insects.

  • Proboscis = the mouthpart of butterflies and moths used for consuming food and water.

  • Poly-hybrid = a hybrid of multiple species over a number of generations, e.g. Samia polyhybrids = (Samia canningii x (Samia ricini x Samia cynthia)) x (Samia cynthia x Samia luzonica). This cross includes 4 species over 3 generations (not including the current one).

  • F-number = this refers to how many generations a certain line of livestock has been bred in culture (not wild) without adding new bloodlines. F0 refers to the first generation in captivity, whilst P is the first (parent) generation. E.g. P would be wild collected, F1 would represent their offspring, then F2 etc. But if the F2 were outbred to another unrelated line (regardless of P or F), this would create a new line of F0, not F3. This is important for understanding the potential strength and reproductive value of any livestock.

  • Host plant = shortened to LHP (larval host plant), this refers to the plant species accepted by the insect species in question.