Quadrina diazoma

Based on the very few pictures I was able to find from Quadrina diazoma caterpillars, I would say this is not the most popular species. Probably not big or colorful enough to the taste of most. That's a shame, because when you look closer it's actually a very beautiful creature. Not too difficult to rear either, as long as you keep in mind that they come from hot places in Mexico and the USA. So keep very warm (25 degrees Celsius during the day and not below 15°C at night is a minimum) and completely dry. They only feed upon oaks (Quercus). The larvae are slow growing, so even though they readily accept English oak (Quercus robur) you best keep an evergreen oak in reserve. Count at least three months of growth. And thus, depending on when you got the eggs the oaks may or may not have dropped their leaves before the caterpillars start to pupate. I know, it may be a little confusing seeing the caterpillars now. Posting them late autumn would have been the normal time of the year. Cocoons overwinter. Moths emerge around this time and even later (June/July). The eggs hatch in 12 - 16 days (depending on temperature)

Quadrina diazoma final instar on Quercus robur

Quadrina diazoma final instar on Quercus robur

Quadrina diazoma final instar on Quercus robur

Quadrina diazoma final instar on Quercus robur

Quadrina diazoma final instar on Quercus robur

Quadrina diazoma final instar on Quercus robur

Quadrina diazoma final instar on Quercus robur

Quadrina diazoma final instar on Quercus robur

Quadrina diazoma final instar on Quercus robur

Quadrina diazoma final instar on Quercus robur

Quadrina diazoma early stages on Quercus robur

Quadrina diazoma early stages on Quercus robur

Quadrina diazoma early stages on Quercus robur

Quadrina diazoma early stages on Quercus robur

Quadrina diazoma early stages on Quercus robur

Quadrina diazoma early stages on Quercus robur

Quadrina diazoma early stages on Quercus robur

Quadrina diazoma L2 on Quercus robur

Quadrina diazoma L1 on Quercus robur