Paradirphia leoni

 

 

Distribution:

Mexico. Given the confusion with other very similar and only recently described species it's more or less impossible to tell what the exact distribution is. The stock displayed here is from Chiapas.

Wingspan:

approximately 6 to 7 cm

Season:

one flight annually, between June and July. Pupae overwinter

Food plants:

Fagus, Quercus

Rearing:

An easy species.  Keep warm (minimum room temperature), in spacious well ventilated plastic containers, but watch out for condensation. Do not give wet leaves. The caterpillars tolerate company very well and are best kept in (not too large) groups. Ready to pupate within 6 to 7 weeks. Moths usually overwinter in an unheated (but frost free) room, but some might emerge in autumn, when temperatures remain too high.

Difficulties:

none