Three-Windowed Silk-Moth | Cricula trifenestrata EGGS

Cricula trifenestrata, commonly known as the Windowed Silk-Moth, is a moth in the family Saturniidae. It is native to parts of South and Southeast Asia, where it is notable for its distinctive wing patterns and semi-domesticated use in silk production.

Cricula trifenestrata is a medium-sized moth, with a wingspan of 7–12 cm. Its wings are a warm golden-yellow or orange-brown, adorned with three prominent transparent spots on each forewing, giving the species its name. These hyaline (clear) areas are surrounded by dark borders, enhancing their visibility. The hindwings are less marked but retain the characteristic golden hue. The body is stout and covered in dense hairs, with the thorax and abdomen matching the warm tones of the wings.

This species is widely distributed across tropical and subtropical regions of Asia, including: India; Sri Lanka; Nepal; Indonesia; Thailand; The Philippines; and Malaysia.  Cricula trifenestrata is nocturnal, with adults primarily active at night. The adults do not feed, as their lifespan is short and focused on reproduction. Males are attracted to females by pheromones, and mating typically occurs shortly after emergence of the female moth.

The caterpillars are hairy and brightly colored, serving as a warning to potential predators. Upon reaching maturity, they spin a golden-yellow cocoon, which is used in some regions for silk production. The cocoons are oval and tough, protecting the pupae until emergence as adults. The larvae, or caterpillars, are polyphagous and feed on a wide range of host plants

Host plants: Oaks; Willows, Eucalyptus, possibly Rhododendron. 

Difficulty: Easy (1/10)

Conditions: Room temperature; cocoons benefit from humidity.

Lifecycle: Continually brooded in some regions; capable of diapause as cocoons.