DISTRIBUTION: Saturnia (Rinaca) simloides (wingspan: males apprx. 145 mm; females: 150mm; 5-6 inches), is native to southern and central Vietnam: Lam Dong: Da Lat (HT) and Di Linh Mt., 900m, and it derives its name from its great similarity to Saturnia (Rinaca) simla. It has also been taken in the following southern and central Vietnamese provinces: Thua Thien Hue: Bach Ma Mt., 1400m; Kon Tum: Kontum env.; Quang Ngai: Bato Mt.; Qu?ng Nam: Axan Mt., 500-950-1200-1400mm. "Remarks: S. (R.) simloides n. sp. in general is very similar to the closest and widespread relative S. (R.) simla and differs in both sexes from this taxon by a little more vivid and intense ground colour, little larger size on average, more ovoid-formed Fw. ocelli, and some details in ? genitalia structures." When I placed the simloides male on the simla page, the only difference I noticed was that simloides seems to have a slightly narrower, less rounded (Slightly truncated) projection of the forewing apex. I do not know if this is a consistent character. FLIGHT TIMES AND PREFERRED FOOD PLANTS: Saturnia (Rinaca) simloides fly in the fall: September-October-November; January and June flights have also been recorded. This apparently multi-brooded species probably ?? favours sweet chestnut and hawthorn as larval foodplants. Anatolij Kulak has reared simla them on Prunus domestica. Franz Renner writes, Based on India material, the best foodplant is Juglans (Walnut). Saturnia (Rinaca) simloides female, Axan Mt, Tay Giang, Quang Nam, Vietnam, courtesy of David Kolompar. ECLOSION, SCENTING AND MATING: Females scent at night after 10:00 pm and males use their highly developed antennae to track the wind blown pheromone. Generally, matings occur from 10:30 pm-midnight and the pair remain coupled until the following afternoon or evening. EGGS, LARVAE, COCOONS AND PUPAE: All egg and larvae images on this page probably are of S. (R.) simla, which may or may not be very similar to simloides. Simloides possibly overwinter in the egg stage with black spiked larvae emerging in the spring. This now seems less likely due to specimens also taken in January and June as well as the fall months. This two-day-old larva (might be simla) emerged ten days after coming out of refrigerated egg storage. From this dorsal view the larva appears totally black, but there is a fine white lateral line which became more pronounced as the larva progressed in this first instar. Larvae moved into second instar after approximately seven days and the elongated hairs typical of later instars became apparent. Scans of first three instars (might be simla) by Bill Oehlke. In another seven days larvae moved into third instar and continued development of elongated body hair. Green colouration now becomes prevalent and offers some camouflage protection for the final instars. Neon green, elongated body hairs of fourth and fifth instars (almost identical) could have served as inspiration for some of Jim Henson's Muppet creatures. Larvae exceed three inches in final instar and increase considerably in girth. Scan to right by Kurt Himmelbauer. The cocoon is made of a coarse, stiff silk, and is attached to twigs longitudinally. The muddy, grey-green pupa is clearly visible through the loose netting of the silk. Stefan Naumann writes, "Normally larvae of this species do not leave the tree where they are feeding but spin their cocoons below furcations of boughs in the tree crown or in the lower part of the stem of the tree where they find enough furcations." Saturnia (Rinaca) simla, China, first instar, on Prunus domestica, courtesy of Anatolij Kulak. Dr Kulak writes, "Caterpillar willingly eat Betula pendula! They also have willingly taken Padus racemosa. Saturnia (Rinaca) simla, second instar on Salix caprea, Vietnam, courtesy of Jurgen Vanhoudt. Saturnia (Rinaca) simla, China, fifth instar, on Prunus domestica, courtesy of Anatolij Kulak. Saturnia (Rinaca) simla, China, fifth instar, on Prunus domestica, courtesy of Anatolij Kulak. Larval Food Plants It is hoped that this alphabetical listing followed by the common name of the anticipated foodplant will prove useful. The list is not exhaustive. Experimenting with closely related foodplants is worthwhile. Betula Betula pendula (AK) Carya Castanea sativa Crataegus oxyacantha..... Juglans regia (FR) Padus racemosa (AK) Prunus domestica (AK) Pyrus communis Pyrus malus Quercus Salix caprea (JV) Salix fragilis Salix babylonica Birch Silver/Warty/European Weeping Birch Hickory Sweet chestnut English hawthorn English walnut Bird Cherry, cyanide warning Plum Pear Apple Oak Goat Willow, Weeping willow Crack willow Weeping willow Additional images by Leroy Simon. Return to Main Saturniidae Index Return to Caligula genus Rinaca subgenus Support this website and visit other insect sites by clicking flashing butterfly links to left or right. Use your browser "Back" button to return to the previous page.