Lobobunaea acetes

 

 

Distribution:

West and Central Africa, from Sierra Leone to Uganda and south to Gabon and the Congo's. The moths displayed here are from Togo.

Wingspan:

in between  11 and 13 cm 

Season:

depending on local condition, but usually up to 3 flights annually. In captivity continuously when kept warm (and somewhat humid)

Food plants:

Salix (best), also Liquidambar, Mangifera and Ligustrum ovalifolium

Rearing:

An easy species.  Keep warm (minimum room temperature), in spacious well ventilated plastic containers when young, but netted cages when they've reached the final instar The caterpillars tolerate company very well, but need more space in the final instar. Keep dry (avoid condensation and wet leaves, do not spray).  Relatively slow growing. Ready to pupate within 6 to 7 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.

Difficulties:

none