Citheronia beledonon

 

 

Distribution:

Mexico

Wingspan:

In between 8/10 (males) and 11 (females) cm

Season:

one or two flights annually (early summer and September/October). Pupae overwinter

Food plants:

Juglans (best), also Prunus serotina, Liquidambar, Rhus and Ligustrum ovalifolium

Rearing:

An easy species, suitable for newcomers.  Keep warm and clean. The first 3 instars in well ventilated plastic containers. Older caterpillars in very large and very well ventilated plastic containers. Fast growing and ready to pupate within 4 weeks. Citheronia do not make a cocoon. When ready to pupate treat like Sphingidae and other underground pupating species. The pupal stage in between flights is short (approximately 4 weeks). Pupae of the last flight overwinter in a cool, unheated (frost free) room, not in the fridge.

Difficulties:

none