Currently unavailable. Ricini is one of many sub-species of 'samia cynthia and resembles a smaller version of the giant atlas moth with a wingspan of 11-13 cms. It is a visual delight of maueve, brown and cream with a snake head pattern on the forewing. The larvae feed on privet and alianthus and if kept warm will breed extremely easily in plastic boxes. This perfect, trouble free silkmoth is an absolute must for everyone but particularly schools and novices. A stunning moth that pairs almost automatically and delights with its delicate flight when released in a room or greenhouse. Extremely easy to rear in all its stages.
Larval foodplants: privet (ligustrum), tree of heaven (ailanthus).
Rearing: plastic boxes and cages.
Photographs: egg group x 20 magnification; 2nd instar larvae on leaf; 5th instar larvae pair; adult female at rest.
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kkeu5PY1o64
