Epiphora mythimnia

Epiphora mythimnia (Epiphora mythimnia)

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

Genus – epiphora

Appearance

The younger caterpillars are black studded with spines. The color of the older caterpillars is green. The front spines at the end are blue. There are black spots on the sides.

The wingspan of these butterflies is up to 130 mm. The body of the butterfly is covered with hairs. Males have feathery antennae. Butterflies are gray-brown with a beautiful pattern. There are large transparent areas on the wings.

Habitat

Epiphora mythimnia is a moth, which flies from the South to Central Africa.

Behavior

Epiphora mythimnia demonstrates nocturnal activity.

Diet

The caterpillars feed on buckthorn.

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 eggs are white and oval. If the newborn caterpillars do not begin to feed, they should be placed for 1-2 days in a dark place. The caterpillars should be kept in mesh terrariums for 6-8 insects. In the terrarium, you need to place a branch of the forage plant. Forage plants should be replaced every 3-4 days. The temperature is 22-25 ^oC and humidity is 60-70%. The caterpillar makes a gray cocoon. The pupa is brown. The butterfly leaves the cocoon after about four weeks, depending on the temperature and humidity. The butterfly's life span is 14 days.

In captivity

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