In mid-May, after the classroom project has ended, gypsy moth caterpillars are hatching out in the wild and students will be armed with knowledge to help deal with gypsy moth problems. Egg masses can be found in most counties in the Lower Peninsula and parts of the Upper Peninsula, and gathering them can be a classroom project. Classroom rearing results will vary depending on room conditions, humidity, food, time of year and other factors. For instance, eggs gathered in January and February may take three or four weeks to hatch, while those gathered in March take less time. The hatch from an individual egg mass usually is completed in two to three days.
Little equipment is needed for raising the gypsy moths.
An old aquarium, glass container of any kind or plastic bag will work to store the egg masses until they begin to hatch. Upon hatching, transfer the larvae to individual cups or containers. Avoid this by limiting physical contact with the hairs of the caterpillars. Many projects involving gypsy moths can be done in class. In addition, simply raising the moths from an egg mass in a location available to students allows them to learn about insect growth and development.