Silkmoths and more: Agrius convolvuli

Full-fed, the caterpillars of the Convolvulus hawkmoth (Agrius convolvuli) can reach a length of ten or even eleven centimeter. However, dwarf forms also exists, with specimens already pupating when they are only seven centimeter. A lot depends of the quality of the food and your breeding conditions. Late autumn caterpillars are often smaller then those growing during summer months. Otherwise, the growth cycle seems to be the same, with a larval stage of only four weeks. The first three instars grow slowly and there is little difference between a first and a third instar. Only the coloration deepens a bit. From the fourth instar on, they start eating a lot more and suddenly grow a lot faster. Within a week they easily triple their size. They prefer plants out of the Convolvulaceae family, like Convolvulus, Ipomoea and Calystegia. In some areas the larvae can - occasionaly- be found on Rumex, Helianthus, Chrysanthemum and Phaseolus. The pupal stage (in captivity) is short. Moths appear after two to three weeks. It's nearly impossible to overwinter the pupae. Too cold and they die. Too warm and they hatch. Just keep them warm and enjoy the moths, even when it's almost winter.