How Can you tell if moth eggs are hatching?

Question

I found a moth a couple of weeks ago and it starting laying eggs, I have them on a napkin in an empty cool whip container with holes in the top.

I identifyed the moth and I know what I should feed the catapillers, But I don't when their supposed to hatch.

The moth type is an American Lappet moth.

The eggs have started over the past 3 days, started to collapse in on themselves, it seems like the eggs are way way way to small in their collapsed state to hold a catapiller.

Are the eggs rotten?

There are about 2 eggs out of 85 that aren't caving in.

Did I do something wrong?!

Answer 1

You will know they are hatching because bugs are coming out of them. If bugs aren't coming out, they haven't hatched.

Answer 2

The lappet moths lay their eggs from midsummer to fall and the eggs hatch the next spring.  I can't explain the caving in, you might check where you acquired these to see if others that have been left are doing likewise.  No one likes these moths for the damage they do, so you might consider other moths to study.