Distribution:

USA, from Texas and Florida north to Missouri and Massachusetts

Wingspan:

In between 10 (males) and 15 (females) cm

Season:

usually one, sometimes two flights annually. In captivity more often two. Pupae overwinter

Food plants:

Juglans, Carya, also Prunus serotina, Liquidambar, Rhus, Fraxinus and Ligustrum ovalifolium

Rearing:

An easy species, suitable for newcomers.  Keep warm and clean. The first 3 instars in well ventilated plastic containers. Older caterpillars in very large and very well ventilated plastic containers or in netted cages. Fast growing and ready to pupate within 4 weeks. Citheronia do not make a cocoon. When ready to pupate treat like Sphingidae and other underground pupating species. The pupal stage in between flights is short (approximately 4 weeks). Pupae of the last flight overwinter in a cool, unheated (frost free) room, not in the fridge.

Difficulties:

none