JULY: Actias dulcinea EGGS
Host plants: Birch, Alder, Willow, Oak, Walnut, Cherry, Ash. Multiple others reported.
Difficulty: Easy (1/10)
Temperature: Room temp.
Lifecycle: two or three broods annually; cocoons hibernate
Actias dulcinea, commonly known as the Sweetheart Moon Moth, is a species of moth native to East Asia, including parts of China, Japan, and Korea. They are relatively large, with a wingspan that can reach 15cm, making them one of the larger species of silk moths. The wings of the moth are typically pale green, often with some yellow or bluish markings. The hindwings have fairly short tails, somewhat more rounded than those which are more characteristic of the Luna Moth genus (Actias). Host plants include: Birch, Willow, Oak, Walnut, Sweet Gum, Cherry, Alder. Extremely easy to rear, care is essentially the same as for luna, however dulcinea may only have one or two broods per year, particularly if they come from a region where the growing season is short.