Eacles imperialis

 

Eacles imperialis decoris

 

Eacles imperialis anchicayensis

 

 

Distribution:

from Canada south to Argentina, in several different subspecies. Illustrated here is decoris (Mexico to Costa Rica) and anchicayensis (Colombia and Ecuador).

Wingspan:

In between 10/12  (males) and 14/16 (females) cm

Season:

at least two flights between March and November. Northern subspecies overwinter as pupae (either in the fridge or in unheated room. The subspecies from warmer areas can brood more or less continuously

Food plants:

Polyphage on many shrubs and trees (Quercus, Castanea, Fagus, Corylus, Alnus, Betula, Carpinus, Salix, Populus, Malus, Pyrus, Prunus, Crataegus, and many many more)

Rearing:

An easy species, suitable for all levels of experience.  Keep warm and clean. The first 3 instars in well ventilated plastic containers. Older caterpillars in a netted cage. Fast growing and ready to pupate within 4 weeks. Eacles do not make a cocoon. When ready to pupate treat like Sphingidae and other underground pupating species. The pupal stage is short in between flights (approximately 4 weeks). Depending on the subspecies they are either brooding continuously or diapausing through winter.

Difficulties:

none