SUMMER: Actias dubernardi COCOONS
Host plants: various Pines, Larches etc. Softer-leaved varieties are better
Difficulty: Intermediate; larger larvae can be difficult (6/10); cocoons are easy to hatch (1/10)
Temperature: Room temperature; enjoys a cool, humid climate
Lifecycle: Can produce continual generations if conditions are suitable also capable of dormancy
This species is commonly known as the Chinese Moon Moth, although it exists in other countries. Typically, dubernardi inhabits mountainous cloud forests, where temperatures are relatively cool and humidity is high. Caring for all stages of the life cycle is simple, but I’d recommend rearing these in plastic containers in all stages, as mesh cages allow too much moisture to escape. The caterpillars will eat many different Pines and Larches. Cocoons can be overwintered by storing cold but are otherwise continually brooded.