Malaysian Moon Moth (Actias maenas) EGGS

Actias maenas, commonly known as the Malaysian Moon Moth, is a striking species of silkmoth belonging to the family Saturniidae. Native to parts of South and Southeast Asia, including Malaysia, India, Nepal, and Bhutan, it thrives in subtropical and montane forests with high humidity. Known for its breathtaking beauty, this moth is highly sought after by enthusiasts - rarely is it available as livestock, but we have sources for this season (2025).

With a wingspan of up to 15 cm, females are slightly larger than males, though males have more prominent, feathery antennae for detecting pheromones. The caterpillars feed on a variety of host plants, including willow, walnut, and sweetgum, accumulating energy reserves for metamorphosis. Adults, like most silk moths, do not feed due to their lack of functional mouthparts and live only a few days, during which their primary goal is reproduction.

Host plants: Eucalyptus, Sweet Gum (Liquidambar), Birch (Betula). 

Difficulty: Straightforward (3/10).

Temperature: Room temperature or slightly warmer.

Lifecycle: up to four broods annually; cocoons can hibernate during cool/dry weather.