Thank you Josephine.
April 26, 2009 Poly is adapting to its new home and eating well. I put it outside occassionally for fresh air while I clean out its box:
May 4, 2009 Poly seems to be growing rapidly and enjoys a bit of sun. But maybe outdoors was not a good idea. Disaster awaits.
May 8, 2009 Sudden decline. It appeared the caterpillar was about ready to make its cocoon -- a crucial time in its life. Within hours the caterpillar took ill and developed spots. In just a few hours it fell off the leaves and died. Possibly a fungal or bacterial infection. Hygene is an important aspect of raising captive insects.
End of part 1. But not the end of raising Polyphemus this summer. Click here for the next set.
Note: all containers were disinfected with bleach to make sure no disease was transmitted to the next set.