While on the subject of wet areas, perhaps the very BEST plant to examine is Buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentalis) for both Promethea and Cecropia........ but here's the catch! This plant grows in water usually, and depending how tolerant you are to wading in cold water will determine how many cocoons you will end up with by March! A young grove of Birch trees is a perfect "get-out-of-your-car-and-walk-AROUND" location to look for Cecropia, and just make care that your car doesn't get hit......... or you don't get shot! Remember this about road collecting: Nobody but YOU knows what's going on, and others will see you "as needing help", or "up to no good", and I have had to do some explaining to the Sheriff on several occasions over the years! It's always best to save a few of your empty cocoons and carry them in your car, and carry a field guide with you, with the page(s) pre-marked of what you're looking for in case you get stopped. Soon you might make a new friend! Remember the Sheriff??! He's a regular person too, doing his job to protect the public, and there's always the chance he'll want some eggs in the spring so he can do this also. Feel free to point him to this Website!
Again just use CAUTION when collecting, and ask when you find that perfect place just behind the fence, and the land owner and his kids may want to get some eggs from you also - and remember you'll have plenty of eggs to spare! Even places with countless "Posted" signs will often let you in to look, since most who post don't want guns in there! Carry a cocoon to the door with you when you go ask! Some people are much friendlier than others....... so be prepared to "come on in and have a cup of coffee" before you begin your collecting!
Over all, I've had a lot of fun doing this, and this has been a fun past-time! When wild-collecting take only what you need, and usually just a few of each is all you really need........ and it may take most of the winter just to get THIS many!
For a lot more info, please go to the "Breeding" page!