Anisota oslari

 

 

Distribution:

the south of the USA (New Mexico, southeastern Arizona, southern Colorado, western Texas) south into Mexico (Sonora)

Wingspan:

large for an Anisota, wingspan in between 4,5 (males) and 7 cm (females)

Season:

at least two flights annually (June/July and August). In captivity when too warm in autumn a third (partial) flight is possibly as late as mid October

Food plants:

Quercus, especially out of the white oaks and suber groups

Rearing:

Fairly easy and fast growing. Feeds in large groups, but older caterpillars should be given enough space.  Start in well ventilated plastic containers, but move to a netted cage  when the caterpillars become older. Watch out for condensation  and do not give wet leaves. Ready to pupate in four weeks. A living room temperature is enough (though on the warmer side as they are only available in the northern hemisphere summer). The pupal stage between summer generations is only a few weeks. Pupae after the last flight overwinter in a cool, frost free room. Adults do not emerge until (early) summer. 

Difficulties:

none