Silkmoths and more: Anisota dissimilis

Dissimilis is one of the Mexican Anisota species, quite similar to Anisota assimilis. The caterpillars of this species are a lot darker, even though the amount of white seems to be somewhat variabel, but clearly there's a lot less of it then in assimilis larvae. If you would like to make a comparison, I posted the assimilis caterpillars on September 13th 2015 (just use the search box top right of the page). In all other aspects, the rearing of both species is pretty much the same and relatively easy. Oak (Quercus) species are the preferred food plants. Alternatively, you can also use chestnut (Castanea sativa). These are social animals which can be kept in relatively small, well ventilated plastic containers. As always, keep things dry, watch out for condensation when you stuff too many leaves inside and keep them at an average living room temperature. They are fully grown within four to six weeks, depending very much on the quality of the food. Late in the season they tend to be slower growing, something to keep in mind when you buy eggs after September. Make sure you have some evergreen oaks as back up. The pupae will now overwinter in a cool room (around ten degrees Celsius) and will hatch in April/May.