Silkmoths and more: Proserpinus lucidus

I finally found the time to work my way through these pictures. The brood finished weeks ago. The North American Proserpinus lucidus is a species that starts flying very early in the season. Depending on local conditions as early as December, but usually between January and April. The growth of the caterpillars is fast. After four to five weeks they start to pupate. The larvae are not very picky and will accept nearly everything out of the Onagraceae family. In the wild the caterpillars feed on Clarkia, Camissonia and sometimes Oenothera. In captivity also on most Epilobium species. It would be interesting to see if they will do well on Fuchsia. Probably they will. Do not keep too warm (remember it's an early in the season species), however do not go too far below twenty degrees Celsius either. Early in California is not the same thing as early in Western Europe, keep that in mind. The pupae will overwinter. Nope, don't try to force them into a second flight. It will most likely cost you your pupae. Be patient ...