Othorene purpurascens

 

 

Distribution:

from southern Mexico (Chiapas) through Central America south to Colombia, Peru and Brazil

Wingspan:

In between 7 (males) and 11 (females) cm

Season:

multiple flights between March and November. In captivity when kept warm and somewhat humid continuously

Food plants:

Quercus. Also reported on Malus, Salix, Terminalia, Psidium and Manilkara

Rearing:

An easy species, suitable for newcomers.  Keep warm and clean. The first 3 instars in well ventilated plastic containers. Older caterpillars in a netted cage. Fast growing and ready to pupate within 4 weeks. Othorene do not make a cocoon. When ready to pupate treat like Sphingidae and other underground pupating species. The pupal stage is short (approximately 4 weeks).

Difficulties:

none