Holocerina smilax

 

 

Distribution:

throughout West and Central Africa, from Sierra Leone to Kenya. South via the east of Africa to South Africa

Wingspan:

In between 5 (males) and 8 (females) centimeter

Season:

In captivity continuously when kept warm

Food plants:

Ligustrum ovalifolium and Symphoricarpos (best), also accepted but more difficult and higher mortality: Pinus sylvestris and Hedera helix

Rearing:

One of the easier Holocerina species. Caterpillars are fully grown within four to five weeks when kept warm.  Keep the first instars in well ventilated plastic containers and move to a netted cage when older. Do not overcrowd. The hairs on these caterpillars are urticating, so don't touch. Holocerina species make a cocoon. The pupal stage is short (only 3 to 4 weeks).

Difficulties:

none