The feeder is placed behind the silk flaw head so not to hinder the moth, which acts as if it's the real thing! A weak honey (1 part) and water (5 parts) solution is used in the wells and can be extracted by the probing hawkmoths proboscis.
The moths easily use this and you can be sure a nectar source is always available.
This method allows you to feed large numbers of hawks easily at any time of the year.
The final method is hand feeding.
This is quite a technique and may feel a little daunting to try.
Mix 1 part honey to 5 parts water (as above) solution and mix thoroughly.
Use a shallow Petra dish or jam iar lid and fill with the solution.
Some breeders make a feeding ‘’Pad’’ for the moth, although I prefer a solution (although more messy!) However the principle is to hold the hawkmoths hind wings up above its body between finger and thumb.
Then using a setting needle or Pin gently extend the coiled proboscis from the mouth and uncoil into a shallow dish of honey and water solution.
The idea is to place the proboscis into the solution and hold it until the moth starts to feed.
Once it does it will begin to relax and in some cases after regular hand feeding the insect may well be relaxed enough to feed at leisure without the need of holding the wings.
Hand feeding can become a little messy, as a moth struggling with its strong legs can make a mess of your finest preparations! But be patient as this method alone guarantees the moths DO feed and feed WELL.
Feeding is essential for flight, pairing, and egg laying.
To overlook this is to doom yourself to failure.
Be sure to know which Hawks need feeding and which da not!! CONCLUSION This is just the very basic knowledge required to begin rearing Hawkmoths.
With experience and practise you will master techniques and maybe invent new ones.
Whatever the case your joy will be great as you become closer to these magnificent insects watching them hover and move with the agility of the Hummingbird itself something no human machine can achieve and sadly something missed by the majority of mankind. Enjoy!