Sent when ready in May or June and sometimes before. The great peacock moth is a very popular and much sought species amongst saturniidae breeders. It is also the largest silk-moth found in Europe and resembles a much larger version of our own emperor moth. Rearing the larvae is not as easy as some species but is worth the effort as they are amongst the most beautiful of all saturniidae. As a general rule keep them warm and dry and away from humidity in closed / confined conditions. Many trees will prove acceptable e.g. ash; hawthorn; buckthorn etc. Highly recommended for the experienced breeder.
Larval foodplants: hawthorn (crataegus); buckthorn (rhamnus); apple (malus), plum (prunus), ash (fraxinus) and others.
Rearing: plastic boxes in very early stages, cages, and sleeves in warm dry climates.
Photographs: 1st instar larvae at rest; 2nd instar larvae; 3rd instar larvae; 4th instar larvae; 5th instar larvae; adult male at rest.
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=79GZz72r06k
