Several weeks ago, a Puss moth in our care laid eggs. Feeling duty bound we decided to rear them ourselves.  I had no idea what I was letting myself in for.  They have an incredible rate of consumption, right through the night and a high natural survival rate (minus predators).  I ended up collecting armfuls of sallow night and morning - what the neighbours thought of me hanging over the fence and hooking branches with a fishing net handle I will never know.  With great relief they have finally started to spin and we have had an amazing opportunity to watch them go about it.  They go a browny purple just before they start and we have been able to seperate some into pots with twigs for a closer look.  The twigs with lychen were most popular and were stuck into the silk like army camaflage. One or two chewed holes in the pop up net they were in and dotted their silk with bits of green material.  Hope the pictures we have taken along the way are of interest - no there isnt one of me hanging over the fence with a fishing net handle.

Puss Moth larva developing red head

Chrysalis almost finished

Lychen for camouflage

See more pictures at Amanda and Lee's in Contributor Photo Albums.