Himalayan Emperor Moth EGGS (Caligula lindia)

This is an uncommon Emperor Moth in captivity, not available every year! The Himalayan Emperor, Caligula lindia is a mid-sized silkmoth native Pakistan, India, Nepal, China, Myanmar, Thailand, and Bhutan, found in high mountains, occurring at high altitudes of up to five thousand metres. It has only one brood per year, with adults emerging between April and August depending on location, and cocoons overwintering - somewhat unusual for Caligula species which often overwinter in the egg stage. The wings are silver-grey in colour and each has an eye-spot. 

Caterpillars grow to a large size and are a beautiful blue-green colour with long hairs in the final instar. They accept a wide variety of host plants, some of the best include Willows, Hawthorn, Cherry and stone fruits, Birch and Alder but undoubtedly more are acceptable! Rearing is not difficult following standard methods for Emperor Moths in the family Saturnia and breeding occurs easily when adults emerge.

Difficulty - Easy (2/10)

Temperature - Room temperature

Lifecycle - Single brood per year; cocoons overwinter.