DISTRIBUTION:

Rothschildia chiris (wingspan: M: 122-148mm; f: ) is known from
Peru: Puno (Carabaya) and
Bolivia: Cochabamba and La Paz (LA) on the eastern slopes of the Andes at elevations of 1650-2000m.

This species looks very much like R. o. peruviana but chiris is dark brown in both sexes while R. o. peruviana is much more orange. The postmedian line is very dentate and the hyaline spots have three bulges (especially noticeable in the female), one on each surface, toward the body.

Rothschildia chiris male, Cochabamba, Bolivia,
wingspan: 137mm, courtesy of Kelly Price.

Rothschildia chiris male, Cochabamba, Bolivia,
wingspan: 148mm, courtesy of Kelly Price.

Rothschildia chiris female, Cochabamba, Bolivia,
wingspan: 122mm, courtesy of Kelly Price.

Rothschildia chiris chiris male, 122mm, Cochabamba, Bolivia,
on my home computer only.

FLIGHT TIMES AND PREFERRED FOOD PLANTS:

Cherry is probably the prefered hostplant for captive rearing.

Rothschildia chiris (female), Bolivia, courtesy of Eric van Schayck.

ECLOSION, SCENTING AND MATING:

EGGS, LARVAE, COCOONS AND PUPAE:

Larvae probably do best on Prunus. They also probably take Ailanthus quite readily but grow slowly on privet.

Larval Food Plants

It is hoped that this alphabetical listing followed by the common name of the foodplant will prove useful. The list is not exhaustive. Experimenting with closely related foodplants is worthwhile.

Ailanthus altissima..... Ligustrum Prunus

Ailanthus Privet Cherry

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The pronunciation of scientific names is troublesome for many. The "suggestion" at the top of the page is merely a suggestion.

There are many collectors from different countries whose intonations and accents would be different.

"Rothschildia" is chosen to honour one of the Rothschilds, possibly William.

I do not know the reason for the species name, chiris.

Rothschildia chiris male, Taipiplaya, La Paz, Bolivia,
January-february 2007, 810m, courtesy of Lars Andersen.