Dirphia avia

 

 

Distribution:

most of Central America, south to the northern part of South America (Venezuela, Suriname, French Guiana)

Wingspan:

in between  7 and 12 cm 

Season:

depending on local condition, moths can emerge fairly irregular

Food plants:

Rosaceae (Prunus, Rosa, Malus, Crataegus, ...), also Quercus, Fagus, Carpinus, Salix and probably more

Rearing:

An easy species, suitable for newcomers.  Keep warm (minimum room temperature), in spacious well ventilated plastic containers when young. Older caterpillars can continue in large, plastic containers or in a netted cage The caterpillars tolerate company very well. Keep dry (avoid condensation and wet leaves, do not spray).  Relatively slow growing. Ready to pupate within 6 to 8 weeks. When ready to pupate move to individual plastic containers lined with paper towels until they have pupated. Moths usually emerge within 4 to 5 weeks when kept warm, however if the conditions are less favorable the pupal stage can take several months.

Difficulties:

none