Caligula japonica

Caligula japonica(Caligula japonica)

Phylum —arthropoda
Class —insecta
Order — lepidoptera
Family —saturniidae

Genus –caligula

Appearance

Newborn caterpillars are black, the older ones are green, covered with thick long hairs, there are bluish-green spotson the sides.

The wingspan of these butterflies is 10-11 cm. The body of the butterfly is covered with hairs. Males have feathery antennae. The butterflies are yellowish-ochreous. There are large eyespots on the hind wings.

Habitat

It is found in eastern Asia, including China, Korea, Japan and Russia.

Behavior

The activity is nocturnal. They fly in August-October. Eggs overwinter in nature.

Diet

Adult butterflies of this species do not feed and live off the stocks accumulated during the larval stage.

The larvae feed on various plants, including Salix, Fagus, Quercus and Juglans.

Reproduction

For their reproduction you need a terrarium with a size of 50 x 50 x 70 cm. The females lay eggs in groups on the branches of the forage plant. Eggs are dark gray and rounded. It is advisable to arrange a diapause for eggs at a temperature of 5-10 ^oC, placing them in the refrigerator for a month. The duration of incubation after diapause is 2-3 weeks. Incubation takes place at 50-70% of humidity and room temperature. Forage plants should be replaced every 3-4 days.The caterpillars should be kept in mesh cages for 6-8 insects.In the cage, you need to place a branch of the forage plant. The conditions for keeping are room temperature and humidity of 50-70%. The caterpillar develops for 6-8 weeks. The caterpillar weaves an openwork cocoon on a branch. The butterfly leaves the pupa after 4-6 weeks.

In captivity

The mesh terrarium with a size of 50 × 50 × 70 mm is suitable for keeping butterflies. Room temperature is necessary.