Silkmoths and more: Ludia orinoptena

What a mess! I'm going to think twice before starting another brood on Basil (Ocimum basilicum). Due to the high water content of the leaves, the caterpillars frass becomes all soft and wet and especially sticky. Instead of just falling to the bottom of the cage it's all over the container. And over my hands while cleaning the cage. Disgusting. But in case of the African Ludia orinoptena I did not had a choice. Basil was the only plant the animals would feed on. Forget all those other records like Asteraceae and/or Fabaceae. This one only seems to accept Lamiaceae. Definitely not all Lamiaceae though. I also tried Lamium and Mentha. The young larvae weren't even remotely interested.

Once started, the rearing is pretty straightforward. Keep in small, well ventilated plastic containers (it's a small species - the caterpillars are not larger then six centimeter when full-fed). Use bio Basil from the supermarket and four weeks later you end up with small cocoons at the bottom of the cage, well hidden between leaves, so look carefully while cleaning the container. Don't throw the cocoons out with the old leaves. One word of advice though: watch out with plants from the supermarket. They may have the bio label, but that doesn't necessarily mean they are not treated against insects. There is absolutely no guarantee that you will be able to finish your brood on supermarket food. Use this only as a last resort and be aware of the risk.