Silkmoths and more: Lonomia cf achelous

Scary creatures! All members of the Lonomia genus are highly venomous, but some species more then others. Lonomia achelous is one of the most dangerous of the Lonomia, with a venom potent enough to kill a human being. No kidding. Never ever touch these caterpillars. Don't be that idiot who puts these creatures on his hand just to take a picture. Plenty of morons like that on Facebook and Youtube, you do not have to join them in their idiocy. A stunt like that with a species this venomous and you might end up in the hospital or worse ... in a coffin. If you ever have the opportunity to rear them, please take every precaution not to get stung. If you have little children or pets you really should carefully consider if you want something this dangerous inside your home. Always wear gloves thick enough so that their thorns do not puncture the fabric and always wear a long sleeved shirt. The caterpillars let themselves drop of the branches when they are disturbed. You do not want them to touch your skin when they fall. All that being said, this south American species is actually very easy to rear. That is when you find a food plant. I received the eggs at the end of the winter, so not much plants to choose from. Contrary to Lonomia electra from central America, achelous does not accept Prunus laurocerasus. That is somewhat problematic, as they seem to be very picky when it comes to their choice of food. The only plant I got them to eat was Searsia lancea out of the Anacardiaceae family. Keep them in relatively small, well ventilated plastic containers. This is a gregarious species in all stages, so they really do not need much space. They are fully grown in seven weeks, probably a little faster during the warmer part of the year. The moths should emerge in a month or so.