Distribution:

East and southern Africa, from Congo (RDC)  and Kenya to South Africa, with also records from Malawi, Mozambique, Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe and Angola. The animals depicted here originate from the Dzalanyama Forest (Malawi).

Wingspan:

one of the largest moths in Africa with a wingspan up to 20 centimeter

Season:

depending on local condition, but usually not more then 1 to 2 flights annually. In captivity semi- continuously when kept warm (and somewhat humid) with approximately half of the adults emerging after a short pupal stage and the other half only after several months

Food plants:

Preferably Eucalyptus, but also Rhus, Acer, Salix, Crataegus and in Africa Acokanthera, Uapaca, Eugenia, Anisophyllea and others

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 fourth instar The caterpillars tolerate company very well, but need some more space in the final instar. Keep dry (avoid condensation and wet leaves, do not spray).  Fast growing and voracious caterpillars, make sure you have plenty of food plants available which can be a pain in the middle of the (northern hemisphere) winter. Ready to pupate within 5 to 6 weeks. When ready to pupate move to individual plastic containers lined with paper towels until they have pupated. Moths usually emerge either within 5 to 6 weeks or the next year.

Difficulties:

none