Saturnia thibeta

Subgenus Rinaca (synonym: Caligula)

 

 

Distribution:

northwest India, southern China south to Thailand and Malaysia. Caterpillars illustrated here are from the okurai subspecies from Taiwan

Wingspan:

around 12 cm

Season:

one flight from (late)  October to February. Eggs do not really overwinter, but the development can be slowed down a little by keeping them in the fridge.

Food plants:

Liquidambar, Prunus, Ligustrum ovalifolium

Rearing:

Not difficult. Only place the eggs in the fridge when you receive them in the middle of the winter and keep them there as short as possible  Take out as soon as you have fresh leaves.  Growth is fairly slow. Ready to pupate within 7 to 8 weeks. The cocoons oversummer and the moths appear as soon as the nights become cooler. Keep in well ventilated plastic containers or in netted cages at room temperature. 

Difficulties:

none