Pachymeta contraria

 

 

Distribution:

West and Central Africa, with reportings from Ivory Coast, Togo, Nigeria, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Congo (RDC), Gabon, Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania

Wingspan:

males around 8 cm, females up to 12 centimeter

Season:

In captivity continuously when kept at room temperature

Food plants:

Rosaceae (does well on Crataegus, Rosa, Rubus, Prunus, Malus, ...)

Rearing:

An easy and tough species. Caterpillars grow to an impressive 14 centimeter within approximately 3 months. Keep the first 4 instars in well ventilated plastic containers and move to netted cages when older. Keep warm, dry and clean. Be advised that the caterpillars have bristles of thick hair, that easily penetrate skin and break off. Wear gloves while handling them.

Difficulties:

none