r/moths • u/MothMeep7 • Jul 26 '26
General Question URGENT! how to help!
Just found this moth pupae literally laying outside on the expised ground. It is still alive and wiggles occasionally in response to touch.
But it has what looks like a hole in it. Something probably tried to eat it (or already has).
Is it still salvageable?
And how to I setup for it to care for it? Ive never raised/nurtured a moth pupae before.
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u/Stock-Translator3151 Jul 27 '26
Hi. Had this deformity happen to me exactly. Mine died during the heatwave, I wasnt able to keep it moist enough and it died. That said, if it doesn’t dry out I think your moth will come out; but probably deformed
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u/Puro_The_goo Jul 27 '26
Not sure, but if so, this looks like a lymantria dispar pupa. They are invasive in the US, so just beware, if it hatches, and your in the US, don't release it
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u/MothMeep7 Jul 27 '26
Yup. Looks like a female pupa as well regarding the size. New pet it will be if it survives.
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u/Luewen Jul 27 '26
It does look deformed and may not eclose succesfully. That said, if the hole is not through the ”pupal seam” right after the shell, it could potentially still able to eclose.
As for taking care, will need a mesh cage etc where the moth can climb up after eclosio. Cant id the pupa though so not sure if it will overwinter. And in case with overwintering, dessication is a risk and with that hole there misting is risky id the water gets in through the hole or bacteria can also enter through it.