Distribution:

western Mexico (from Sonora south) and northern Guatemala

Wingspan:

around 13 cm, in captivity often smaller (especially the females)

Season:

one flight annually in between May and September. Pupae overwinter.

Food plants:

Tilia is well accepted as alternative. In the wild Ceiba, Chorisia, Pachira and related plants

Rearing:

An easy species, suitable for newcomers.  Keep warm (minimum room temperature), in spacious well ventilated plastic containers. The caterpillars tolerate company reasonably well, but do not overcrowd. Keep dry (avoid condensation and wet leaves, do not spray).  Fast growing. Ready to pupate within 5 weeks. When ready to pupate move to individual plastic containers lined with paper towels until they have pupated. Pupae usually overwinter (in an unheated frost free room not in the fridge), less often a (partial) second flight in autumn when temperatures remain too high.

Difficulties:

finding food plants when a second flight produces offspring