Distribution:

from (southern) Mexico throughout Central America south into Panama

Wingspan:

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

Season:

at least two flights between March and November. More or less continuously with warm temperatures

Food plants:

Polyphage on many shrubs and trees (Salix, Populus, Liquidambar, Rhus, Schinus, … )

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 or in very large and well ventilated tubs (especially when using plants like Salix alba which does not keep fresh for very long 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 length of the pupal stage in between flights depends a lot of temperature and humidity but is usually more then 4 weeks but less then 2 months. The caterpillars are quite variable and seem to adapt their color to the plants they are feeding on. The two most common forms are green and brown. The blueish white caterpillars as illustrated above are more often found on plants with more silvery leaves like Salix alba.

Difficulties:

none