Caligula simla

Caligula simla(Caligula simla)

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

Genus –caligula

Appearance

The younger caterpillars are black, the older ones are green, covered with thick long hairs, on the sides — bluish-green spots and a yellow stripe.

The wingspan of these butterflies is 12-15 cm. The body of the butterfly is covered with hairs. Males have feathery antennae. The butterflies are ochre-brown. There are large eyespots on the hind wings.

Habitat

It is found in south-eastern Asia, including China and Thailand.

Behavior

Caligula simlademonstrates nocturnal activity. It prefers mountain forests.

Diet

The larvae feed on Quercus and Prunus padus.The caterpillars feed on the leaves of birch and willow.

Adult butterflies of this species do not feed and survive on the supplies accumulated during the larval stage.

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. Eggs of this species can be stored in the refrigerator until April at a temperature of 5-10 ^oC. As soon as new leaves begin to appear on the birch trees, the eggs can be removed and kept at room temperature until theyhatch. The duration of incubation 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.