Distribution:

a south American species, occurring from (northern) Argentina to Venezuela and Ecuador in two subspecies

Wingspan:

in between 10 and 13  cm

Season:

one to two flights annually depending on local conditions, in between October and April. In captivity emerging somewhat irregular year round

Food plants:

preferably Oleaceae (Ligustrum, Fraxinus, ...) but also Ailanthus and Salix

Rearing:

Easy and suitable for newcomers. The quite spectacular caterpillars grow large and fast. They start spinning their cocoons within six to seven weeks. Keep in well ventilated plastic containers when young (up to 3th instar). When your central heating is already on, continue in plastic tubs adapted to the size of the caterpillars. If not move to netted cages. This is a forgiving species. Unless you severely neglect them, they should all/most make it to the final instar. Pupal stage is several months, but moths emerge somewhat irregular throughout the year (although seemingly less so then some other Rothschildia).

Difficulties:

none