Silkmoths and more: Hyles tithymali

Like typical Hyles caterpillars, the tithymali larvae grow fast. After less then four weeks they are ready to pupate. At that moment they are seven to eight centimeter long. They prefer shrubby Euphorbia species like regis-jubae, lamarckii and paralias. In captivity they take many other Euphorbia species. The animals in the pictures were fed Euphorbia mellifera, but I could have used characias or myrsinitis. This is a species of hot and dry areas. The first two instars can be kept in well ventilated plastic containers. Later instars should be moved to netted cages. Room temperature is an absolute minimum. Do not give wet leaves. The cage is best placed in a bright spot close to a window. The moths will emerge this autumn, after a short pupal stage of two to three weeks.