Rothschildia is a family of medium-sized Atlas Moths from Central and South America. R. inca in particular is an interesting species, having recently been described as distinct from R. lebeau, of which it was previously considered a subspecies. The moths occur in colourful, rusty shades of brown - some with a metallic sheen - and breed very easily. Caterpillars feed on a few different plants, listed below, becoming large and chunky! They begin yellow, black, and white striped, and by maturity are bright green in colour with black and white stripes.
Host plants: Privet, Lilac, Citrus, Willow
Difficulty: Easy (2/10)
Temperature: room temp.
Lifecycle: continually brooded; cocoons capable of dormancy
