Western Eyed Sphinx Moth EGGS -- Smerinthus ophthalmica
****SHIPPING to WA, OR, AZ, ID, CA, CO, MT, UT, NM, NV, and WY.
(Orders placed with shipping addresses outside of these states will be cancelled. :)
***We expect to begin shipping on July 5 or 7. Limited availability.
A lovely sphinx moth with gorgeous eyespots on its hindwings. Adults are on the wing May - July in our region.
This species is relatively disease resistant when kept in clean conditions as a caterpillar. A great beginner species! With that said, sleeving outside on live willow or cottonwood is the best for caterpillar health. Make sure you have a good supply of fresh, pesticide-free food
Hostplants:
Willow
Cottonwood
Aspen
Item Details:
- You will receive ten (10) or twenty (20) Eyed Sphinx Moth eggs per order
- Eggs will hatch about a week and a half after they are laid by the female.
- We guarantee shipping you live eggs, and check for egg fertility by keeping some reserve ova. There are no other guarantees. Transit and caterpillar care risks are assumed by the buyer.
- If temperatures in your area are expected to be over 85F, protect your eggs in transit with the insulated box and ice pack shipping option.
- Make sure that your mail arrives in a cool location, or that someone is there to meet them on arrival. (Eggs can cook in the sun, and we only refund if our reserve eggs don't hatch)
- Caterpillars will need plenty of leaves to munch on after hatching. They feed on various species of willow and cottonwood.
- This species is an earth pupator. So, they do not make a cocoon. They will dig into soil and pupate underground. We normally do this in a sealed container with paper towels, and it is really fascinating watching the caterpillar shed its skin and become a pupa. Using clean potting soil also works.
General Directions for working with eggs: Raising Caterpillars From Eggs
