Samia cynthia - Ailanthus Silkmoth
Family Saturniidae, Subfamily:  Saturniinae
Attacini -
Hodges # 7759
Immatures

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ova

First Instars Emerged 29 August 2013 - 5 mm long
first instars


Second Instar on 2 September, photo on 3 September
lateral


Second Instar
on 2 September, photo on 3 September
2nd


Second Instar on 2 September, photo on 3 September
front



#4 Molted toThird Instar at 3:30 P.M. on 6 September,
photo on 7 September 2013
3rd instar



#4 Molted toThird Instar at 3:30 P.M. on 6 September,
photo on 7 September 2013
third instar


#4 Molted to Fourth Instar at 2:30 P.M. on 10 September
Photo on 5:30 P.M.  10 September 2013

4th I.S.


#4  - Fourth Instar -  Covered in a White Powdery Substance- Normal for this Species
The pale blue green body color can be seen beneath the powder
 40 mm long at 8 P.M.  14 September 2013
cynthia


#4 Close-up Showing Golden Yellow Head
yellow head


#4 Molted to Fifth Instar 5:00 P.M. 16 September 2013
The caterpillar ate its old skin
including the powdery substance after it molted
5th instar


#4 Molted to Fifth Instar 5:00 P.M. 16 September 2013
cynthia


#4  Fifth Instar Close-up of  Abdominal Prolegs
Also a close-up of the oval, black and white spiracles
used in breathing.  Also notice how loose the skin is
which allows the caterpillar to  substantially increase  its size.
prolegs


#4  Fifth Instar Close-up of  head showing ocelli (eyes) and thoracic legs
head


Tubercles help protect the caterpillar from predators
Some have sharp spikes at the tip of the tubercle
Some caterpillars have spikes that sting like Stinging Nettle when touched
turbercles

#4 Purged liquid  3:30 P.M. 25 September- 9 days as 5th Instar
purged liquid

First, Second, Third and Fourth Head Cases
head cases


Pupa after taking them out of cocoons in the spring
pupa

Photo Details - ©Nicky Davis
Ova received from John Richards who received them from Greg Houtz, Schuy Hill Haven, Pa.  They are probably a non-native captive hand reared moth.  However, there are reports that this moth still exists in the wild in Maryland, Delaware, New Jersey, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont, Prince Edward Island and Missouri .The Missouri report of Cocoons found January 1, 1978 was  verified March 05, 2009. It was first introduced to the U.S.A. along with the host plant 
Ailanthus altissima - Tree of Heaven in the 1800's.   The Tree of Heaven has been banned in some states and is listed as noxious in 46 states.

These I rear won't be released into the wild.  Any  species I rear so I can get  life history photos are released only in the spot where the female was located.  If that is not possible, they are not released.

OVA
Oviposited  19 August 2013 - Ten days as ova

LARVAE
Emerged 29 August 2013 - 5 mm long
Molted to Second Instars on 2 September 2013
(4 days as  1st Instar)
Molted to Third Instars on  6-7 September 2013 (5 days as 2nd Instar)
Molted to Fourth Instars on 10-11 September 2013 (4 days as 3rd Instar)
Molted to Fifth Instars on  16-17 September 2013 (6 days as 4th Instar)
#4 purged liquid 3:30 P.M.  25 September  (9 days as 5th Instar)
#2 purged liquid at  4:30 P.M. 25 September (9 days as 5th Instar)
#3 purged liquid at  7:00 A.M.  26 September (9 days as 5th Instar)
#1 purged liquid  in the afternoon of 26 September (9 days as 5th instar)


Host Plants
Lilac was a suggested host plant but these wouldn't use it.
Tree of Heaven - Ailanthus altissima


Range
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