Silkmoths and more: Automeris occidentalis

For what it's worth ... This is one of the Brechlin species. Lemaire considered occidentalis to be an Automeris iris subspecies. He's probably right. There's no difference between iris and occidentalis caterpillars or at least no difference that I can see. If you think you've found something, please let me know. The animals you see in the pictures originate from Mazatlan in Sinaloa (Mexico). I'm aware that this is outside the reported range for occidentalis. But who knows where the range of one of these species ends and that of the other begins? There's a lot of confusion about the members of the iris complex. I haven't seen the moths yet, so I have to trust Bernhard Wenczel on this. Anyway, the rearing of this species is fairly easy (as for iris). The larvae thrive on Robinia pseudoacacia (so does iris). Alternatively, you could use Quercus robur (yep, same for iris). Keep them dry and clean in well ventilated plastic containers. Don't keep too warm, an average living room temperature is enough. After five to six weeks the caterpillars are fully grown and start to spin their cocoons. The pupae will now overwinter in a cool room (in between ten and fifteen degrees Celsius). The moths will emerge next Spring.