Leucanella fusca

 

 

Distribution:

only known from southern Mexico (Oaxaca)

Wingspan:

approximately 8 to 9 cm

Season:

One flight annually during summer months, with cocoons overwintering

Food plants:

Prunus (serotina) preferred. Less well on Fraxinus.

Rearing:

Fairly easy on Prunus, more difficult and much slower growing on Fraxinus. Keep in well ventilated plastic containers, which need to be spacious when the caterpillars become older. Watch out for condensation  and do not give wet leaves. Somewhat slow growing. It can take seven to even eight weeks before they start pupating . A living room temperature is enough (though on the warmer side as they usually are only available in the northern hemisphere summer). The pupal stage is long. Cocoons overwinter in a cool, frost free room. Adults do not emerge until summer. 

Difficulties:

none