How to Care for Leopard Moth Larvae

The giant leopard moth (Hypercompe scribonia) is a conspicuous species with large white wings that are covered in black rings. The larval form is also a highly attractive specimen that is easy to identify and care for in captivity. Leopard moth larvae, commonly called woolly bears, grow up to 2 inches long and are covered with a dense coat of bristly, black hairs. When threatened, woolly bears curl up into a tight ball, revealing a distinct red coloration between the black hairs. Leopard moth larvae feed on many common plants and make an interesting summer pet.

Things You'll Need

  • 5-gallon aquarium with secure lid
  • Paper towels
  • Dandelions
  • Lettuce
  • Honeysuckle
  • Violets
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Instructions

    • 1

      Place a 5-gallon aquarium in a quiet place in your home away from direct sunlight or air conditioning vents. This will ensure that the temperature remains constant in the enclosure.

    • 2

      Line the bottom of the aquarium with paper towels. Paper towels are a cheap and easy-to-replace substrate for keeping leopard moth larvae.

    • 3

      Place a few small branches in the aquarium for the caterpillar to climb on. Branches make it easier for you to observe the biology and physiology of leopard moth larvae as they grow and develop through the summer.

    • 4

      Provide fresh cuttings of violets, dandelions, lettuce or honeysuckle for leopard moth larvae at all times. Caterpillars will not feed on dried leaves, so fresh-cut leaves are essential to keeping the larvae healthy.

    • 5

      Change the paper towels in the aquarium each day. Caterpillars have a large appetite and eat all the time to fuel their development. Consequently, they produce large volumes of fine waste called frass. It is important to change the paper towels and remove the waste to keep the environment clean and to prevent mold from forming in the enclosure.

    • 6

      Release the caterpillar in the same location where you found it in late summer or early fall. Leopard moth larvae must overwinter outdoors where they can hide under rocks or logs. They will emerge the following spring to spin a cocoon and develop into an adult leopard moth.