Distribution:

Europe, from Spain and France east to Russia (as far as Siberia) and south to Northern Africa and the Middle East

Wingspan:

in between 10 and 16 cm

Season:

one flight in Spring (March to May depending on local conditions). Cocoons overwinter.

Food plants:

Crataegus, Prunus, Pyrus, Malus preferred. Also Fraxinus.

Rearing:

Can be more challenging. Cocoons can overwinter in the fridge. Take out as soon as the host plants are back into leaves. Caterpillars should be reared warm and dry in a netted cage. Never give wet leaves. Sensitive to poor quality of food. If you live in a warmer region, best raised outdoors sleeved on a living tree. However, despite their bad reputation, it is possible to rear them indoors. Fast growing and ready to pupate in less then 6 weeks.

Difficulties:

sensitive, needs a lot of fresh air and is best reared in a netted cage