Paralebeda vritra

 

 

Distribution:

endemic to Sulawesi (Indonesia)

Wingspan:

females: 8 to 10 centimeter, with a very heavy body; males much smaller

Season:

Probably continuously

Food plants:

A preference for Alnus, Betula and Corylus. Will also do well on Liquidambar.

Rearing:

Fast. Caterpillars pupate within six to seven weeks when kept warm. Keep in well ventilated plastic containers, but watch out for condensation. In the final instar they require large amounts of leaves, this easily creates too moist conditions which can cause diseases. For that reason a netted cage might be better. In any case it is necessary to clean daily. The pupal stage is short.

Difficulties:

finding an alternative food plant when they emerge during winter