Female Oviposition Techniques > High Humidity Cages
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Aspens set up for Admiral female
This photo represents the initial setup. I have placed aspens in a water bottles; and then have placed these water bottles flush with the wooden base. The next step is to mist spray the leaves and place a female Limenitis weidemeyeri or L. lorquin and then place the cage over it.
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Willows set up for viceroy female
Similar setup for viceroy females. Any willows, cottonwoods, or aspens will work for viceroys and banded admirals. (Some (non-viceroy) banded admirals--i.e, L. arthemis, L. astyanax, L. weidemeyeri L. lorquini, will oviposit on other documented host plants such as Prunus, Amelanchier, etc.)
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Admiral cage
With the butterfly and aspens set up, the last step is to place the 12" x 12" x 12" cage on top.
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Viceroy female cage
Admirals have also been known to oviposit in open screen cages. However, experience suggests that cages with plastic around them increases humidity and seems to increase oviposition stimulation as compared to an open screen cage. Females oviposit best if exposed to filtered sunlight over direct sunlight. This effect can easily be managed by partly closeing venetian blinds or setting up a cage under partial daytime shade.
