Distribution:

from northern Spain through most of Europe and east throughout temperate Asia to Japan, an uncommon species, absent in many areas

Wingspan:

5 to 9 cm, females much larger then the males

Season:

one flight from June to the end of July. Caterpillars overwinter

Food plants:

Crataegus, Quercus, Salix, Sorbus, Rhamnus, Prunus spinosa. Reluctantly accepts Pyracantha which can be used when they accidentally break dormancy and need to feed

Rearing:

Not an easy species to rear. Eggs hatch in August and young caterpillars overwinter. They are best kept outdoors to avoid them waking up and needing to feed. Rearing them too warm during the winter can make this a very difficult brood. When not dormant keep warm and very dry. Early instars are best kept in spacious well ventilated plastic containers, older caterpillars (after overwintering) in netted cages. The pupal stage is short 

Difficulties:

overwintering the caterpillars