Marumba quercus

 

 

Distribution:

from Morocco, Portugal and Spain throughout Southern and (parts of) Central Europe as far east as western Kazachstan. Also present in the Middle East (Jordan, Israel, Lebanon, Iraq, Iran). 

Wingspan:

In between 8 and 10  centimeter

Season:

depends on the local conditions, usually one flight from May to June, but locally a (partial) second flight in August/September. Pupae overwinter

Food plants:

Quercus species, especially Q. ilex, suber, cerris (and others out the cerris group). Alternatively also white oaks (robur, petraea, ...). Does not accept red oaks.

Rearing:

Difficult. Requires warm and very dry rearing conditions. Avoid all moist. Never give wet leaves.  Keep very clean in netted cages. Ready to pupate within 5 to 6 weeks.  The warmer the faster they develop. Pupae after the last flight in autumn should overwinter in a cool, unheated room (but frost free).

Difficulties:

broods are only successful under warm and dry conditions