Phyllodesma tremulifolia

 

 

Distribution:

warmer parts of south and central Europe from Andalusia (Spain) to southern Russia. Threatened by extinction.

Wingspan:

small, approximately 3,5 to 4,5 centimeter

Season:

In cooler areas only one flight in spring (April/May). In warmer parts and in captivity often a (partial) second flight in August. Cocoons overwinter.

Food plants:

Quercus preferred, but does also well on Betula, Populus, Salix and other deciduous trees.

Rearing:

The spring generation is very easy to rear and will grow very fast when kept at room temperature. When kept warm the moths will emerge after a short pupal stage of two to three weeks. Offspring of the summer flight is often much more difficult to rear. Their cocoons will overwinter. Keep the first instars in well ventilated plastic containers. Larger and most certainly the final instar caterpillars are best kept in a netted cage. 

Difficulties:

try to obtain eggs from a spring generation and not the summer generation