Cutting cocoons out of Tubes?

[seanUTD]

I discovered a disastrous scenario today as ants are attacking my silkie cocoons!! I had the idea to cut out only the affected cocoons to kill the ants and save the colony of silks of about 28... If I cut them out and lay the bare cocoons on paper towel do they still have a chance or do they need the suspension?? Quick responses needed

 

[leo]

I have raised silkworm moths by just laying the cocoons in a paper towel so I dont think they need to be suspended in order to hatch.

 

[seanUTD]

Sweet thanks I don't need to worry then... Phew

 

[leo]

yea is not that bad. however, sometimes the moths will not be able to hatch out of the cocoons for some reason and die inside the cocoon. what I do is I cut a small hole on the silk cocoon at one of the ends so that way the moth doesn't have much trouble getting out. hope this helps.