Searsia slug reared

10 Jun 2017:

I collected a number of tiny slug moth caterpillars on Searsia sp at Vogelgat nature reserve near Hermanus. The caterpillars are so small that they only eat the surface of their foodplant leaves.

23 Jul 2017:

Only one of my little caterpillars survived. It graduated to full leaf eating and started cocooning today.

3 Nov 2017:

After months of no action I grew impatient, and very gently cut the cocoon open to check that the pupa is still okay. All is well.

12 Nov 2017:

The pupa started changing colour, an indication that it might be getting ready to emerge.

24 Nov 2017:

A perfect little moth emerged.