A representative of the type of family of mascsters, belonging to the branch of silkworm. Satisfied large representative. It is notable for gaining popularity among people as a home butterfly.
Appearance
The body length of the tobacco hawk can reach 7 centimeters. Has very long antennae. The caterpillars of this representative have a bright green color, which is diluted with white and dark stripes. On the back of the body is a red horn, which is a sharp sting. Wingspan can reach 12 centimeters. Wings are painted with beautiful patterns of brown, white and black flowers. In the area of the rear wings you can notice a number of light and dark stripes. In the area of the abdomen, yellowish spots are visible.
Habitat
This representative was widely used to the tropical regions of South America, as well as the northern regions of the United States. Lives on tobacco and tomato plantations. It is considered a pest.
Office
Females of the tobacco hawk lay eggs on the leaves of fodder plants. The appearance of the eggs is represented by a green color with a diameter of 1 millimeter. The caterpillars that appear are actively feed on tobacco, tomatoes, eggplant and various types of the Paslenov family. At home, caterpillars are fed with a synthetic type of feed, consisting of agar-agar, casein, wheat and sucrose sprouts. The development of the caterpillar lasts no more than 3 weeks. Pupation begins in the ground. The doll of the tobacco hawk is painted brown with a reddish tint and reaches 6 centimeters of length. The doll period lasts about 3 weeks. Life expectancy of an adult butterfly rarely exceeds 10 days.
Content in captivity
Often you can find butterfly butterflies in captivity. The meaning of their excretion can be the use of larvae as a feed for various reptiles, fish and small mammals. In order to contain and start them, it is necessary to study a number of rules and requirements for caring for these beautiful insects. Before you start a tobacco hawk, you need to think about a container where it will live.
Almost any container with dimensions of at least 40x40x40 is suitable. Such a container is the collection of larvae. For the development of butterflies, you will need an average aquarium, a mesh cage and a vertical terrarium with good ventilation. Branches of deciduous trees should be put inside the aquarium, since it is there that caterpillars can live. The bottom is best tanned with soil and pebbles. In winter, the aquarium should be covered with sphagnum and wet sawdust.
Also, for the development of individuals of tobacco hazelnuts, constant lighting is necessary. With the help of a spray gun, you need to maintain humidity.
It should be borne in mind that when the caterpillar begins to exceed 6 centimeter dimensions, it becomes ready to pupate. During this period, you can see that it is restless, practically does not eat, and the color of the cover begins to dull. In order for this period to pass safely, the caterpillars are transplanted to the bottom of a separate container, in which at least 5 centimeters of peat should be located. In it, she will grow up and begin the process of turning into the stage of the pupa.
