Silkmoths and more: Marumba gaschkewitschii gressitti

What a tongue-twister. Try to say that name a few times fast. Well, the name is more impressive then the caterpillars. Besides their size (seven to eight centimeter) there's not much attractive about the caterpillars of this Taiwanese relative of the European Oak Hawk moth. The larvae are variable in color, going from bright green to a more blueish green. This species has a preference for Rosaceae (Prunus, Malus, Pyrus, Crataegus, Eriobotrya, Kerria, ...), but can also be found on Zizyphus. In captivity they do well on Prunus serotina and Prunus laurocerasus, even though I wouldn't recommend laurocerasus to start the brood. The leaves may be a bit tough to chew for a freshly hatched caterpillar. The pupae will now hibernate through the rest of the winter. They will be among the first species to hatch this Spring.