A rearing technique for Oncopera brachyphylla Turner and Oncopera mitocera (Turner)

Abstract

The previous failure of laboratory rearing of the soil-inhabiting hepialids Oncopera brachyphylla Turner and O. mitocera (Turner) has been overcome. Key factors are temperature, humidity and food, and if these are satisfied the provision of a larval burrow habitation is not required. The major factor for larval survival is food, which at all times must include vegetable debris comparable to that occurring in natural habitats.