Blushing Emperor Moth EGGS (Lobobunaea acetes)

Lobobunaea acetes (Westwood, 1849) is a medium-sized silk-moth native to Central and Western Africa. It has a wingspan of around 12-14 cm and is typically a pinkish-orange colour with a flush of pink on the hind-wings. This species is not difficult to rear on host plants like Privet, Eucalyptus, Oak, Willow and Sweetgum. Larvae can be reared at room temperature but it does prefer a little warmth and will grow faster in such an environment. Pupae should also be kept relatively warm and with high humidity, typically emerging around a month after pupation and breeding easily. In captivity, these moths are continually brooded, however in nature pupae may go into diapause when conditions are unfavourable.

Difficulty: Easy (2/10).

Host plants: Eucalyptus, Privet (Ligustrum), Willow (Salix), Oak (Quercus), Sweetgum (Liquidambar).

Conditions - Room temperature is sufficient but this species enjoys a warm environment. 

Life-cycle - Continually brooded but pupae go into diapause when conditions are too dry or cold.