Silkmoths and more: Automeris lemairei

OK, this Mexican Automeris may not be the most spectacular species and is definitely not the largest, but their sting is as unpleasant as any other in the genus. Yep, I got stung a few times when cleaning their cage. I always seem to be less prudent when it's a smaller caterpillar. Lemairei is not very difficult to breed, although they do like some warmth. Each time the temperatures went up they started to eat more and to grow faster, slowing down with each drop in temperature. It looks like they do best with temperatures between 25 and 30 degrees Celsius. Allow for good air movement. This is an oak (Quercus) feeder, but they also do well on Fagus, Robinia, Salix and related plants.