Silkworms

[bigpython]

G'day all, I have kept a few to all them to cocoon. I am chasing some info on the later on stages from when they come out of their cocoon. I have done a quick search but come up with mainly wanted add's.
Any helpwould be appreciated.

 

[Renagade]

i believe that they die of starvation when they reach moth stage. due to domestication, they have 'forgotten' how to eat.

 

[clarkey]

Mate basically you don't do anything, just keep them in a box (a shoebox is good) and they will mate, the female will lay eggs and then they die. They only live for a short time and they don't eat at all during this stage

 

[channi]

yep clarkey takes the prize. just keep an eye on the eggs late winter/ early spring

 

[bigpython]

Thanks
Yeh i am familiar with the laying eggs and dieing bit, what sort of cond/temps do the eggs need to be kept in??
How long they stay in the cocoon??

 

[Rocky]

I had 10 in cucoons, half have hatched, but all at different times meaning by the time a 2nd one comes the other dies! at one stage i had 2 moths, and they were mating, but the female died before she had a chance to lay.

 

[Brettix]

Mate just put them out in the garage and get them out next spring.
Temps dont really affect them.before spring comes i keep the eggs in the fridge.
This way i can take them out when i want some more to hatch.

 

[Bearded_Lady]

Do you guys have ur own mulberry trees to feed the silkworms? Is there anything else they can eat besides mulberry leaves?

 

[Brettix]

They can eat rose pettles and beetroot leaves.This makes the cocoons
come out pink,purple ect
I will stick too mulberry leaves.I get them from mates houses and hanging over peoples
fences on the way home from work.

 

[AUSGECKO]

I`ve been told they can be fed beetroot leaves but have had no success myself, only mulberry leaves