Sent when ready from March (pre-order only). The emperor gum moth is found in Austrailia and New Zealand and is a very rewarding species to rear. The moth itself has a beige ground colour with vibrant orange eye spots on the hind wings. In shape and size it is similar to many antheraea species, so much so that it was originally classified in this genus. The full grown caterpillar is a wonderful mini-beast with a bright aqua - green base colour, bright orange and yellow tubercles and a white stripe that runs almost the full length of the body on each side. Very attractive, easy to rear and an intriguing prospect for breeders. Eucalyptus gunni and silver birch are commonly used foodplants.
Larval foodplants: eucalyptus (gunni), birch (betulae).
Rearing: plastic boxes, cages and possibly sleeves in the UK.
Photographs: 1st instar larvae group on birch.
