Silkmoths and more: Automeris zugana

Slow growing, but growing. That sums it up for this Automeris zugana brood from Costa Rica. Seven weeks to become a fully grown, seven centimeter tall caterpillar. Slow and without any complications. Zugana is one of the easiest Automeris species to breed. They accept a wide range of plants. I used Corylus avellana, which is one of the first shrubs to come back into leaves. I could have used Crataegus or Rubus, but stinging caterpillars on thorny plants just is a bridge too far. During summer months you can also use Quercus, Fagus, Carpinus, Alnus, and many Rosaceae like Malus, Prunus and Sorbus. They will also do well on several Fabaceae (Cassia, Robinia, ...) and Rhamnus. Keep them in well ventilated plastic containers. Watch out for condensation when stuffing too many plants in your cages. The moths will emerge after a short pupal stage, probably already before the start of the summer.