Silkmoths and more: Brahmaea certhia

No Spring is complete without at least one Brahmaea brood. It's always fun to breed an owl moth. Every one can do species like this. When your breeding stock isn't inbred, they grow fast and without any complications. Species like this are very suitable for beginners. The only thing you need is large amounts of Privet (Ligustrum), their favorite food plant. Or - when you can't find any Privet - you can use Lilac (Syringa) and Ash (Fraxinus). They rush through all caterpillar stages in a little under four weeks. Start them at an average room temperature, dry and in well ventilated plastic containers. Fourth and fifth instars can move to netted cages. The pupae can overwinter in the fridge or in an unheated, frost free room (like your garage for example). Early Spring, you can bring the pupae at room temperature and spray with water every other day (let them dry in between). The moths will emerge after two to three weeks, usually all together in only a couple of days.