Brahmaea japonica
Distribution:
Japan
Wingspan:
In between eight and twelve centimeter
Season:
In Spring, mostly April. Or earlier in captivity, the moths emerge soon after the pupae are taken out of the fridge.
Food plants:
Most Ligustrum species. Syringa and Fraxinus are accepted alternatives.
Rearing:
Very easy and fast growing at room temperature. Caterpillars pupate within a month after hatching. Keep the first three instars in well ventilated plastic containers but move to a netted cage after they've molted to the fourth instar. Pupae are best stored in the fridge. They have a (partial) second flight in autumn when the pupae are kept warm.
Difficulties:
None