Chinese Moon Moth | Actias dubernardi EGGS

Chinese Moon Moth (Actias dubernardi) is a striking and large species of moth belonging to the Saturniidae family. It is primarily found in the cloud forests of Southeast Asia, particularly in China, Vietnam, Laos, and parts of Taiwan. As a member of the Actias genus, it is closely related to other moon moths known for their beautiful tails, large wings and distinctive features.

The Chinese Moon Moth has a vivid, lime-green body with long, flowing tails on its hindwings, which give it a distinctive and ethereal appearance. The forewings are also green - with males and females having different shades - adorned with pale markings that help it blend into its leafy surroundings when at rest. The wingspan can reach up to 130 mm or more, making it one of the larger moth species. The long tails, characteristic of many moon moths, likely serve to confuse predators or make the moth appear larger and more difficult to capture by taking attention from the body of the insect, essentially sacrificing the tails.

The caterpillars of Actias dubernardi are large and green, with fine hairs covering their bodies. They feed on a variety of host plant in the Pine family, including Larch and Fir trees. The larvae undergo several stages of development before spinning a silk cocoon in which they pupate. Once the pupation is complete, the adult moth emerges after about a month, continuing the cycle. They are also capable of dormancy during the winter months if the weather is too cold for development.

Difficulty - Cocoons are easy (1/10); Caterpillars straightforward (4/10)

Host plants - Pine; Larch; Fir

Conditions - Room temperature; high humidity

Lifecycle - Continually brooded but capable of diapause as pupae