Distribution:

a domesticated species, derived from Samia canningi

Wingspan:

around 10 cm, sometimes a little more, but usually smaller (and darker) then Samia cynthia

Season:

continuously, with up to 6 flights annually

Food plants:

nearly every shrub and tree, but with a preference for Ailanthus, Salix, Liquidambar, Oleaceae (Fraxinus, Ligustrum, Olea, Jasminum, ...) and Rosaceae (Rosa, Malus, Prunus, Pyrus, Pyracantha, Photinia, Crataegus, ...)

Rearing:

An easy species, suitable for newcomers, even children. Keep at room temperature, warm and dry, in spacious well ventilated plastic containers (or in a netted cage for the final instar). During drier summer months outdoors sleeved on a living shrub or tree. Fast growing and ready to pupate in around 4 weeks. The pupal stage in between 2 flights is short, usually 2 to 3  weeks  (if kept warm enough). This species does not diapause.

Difficulties:

none