The hybrid cross was obtained in October 2009 by the group composed of the following breeders: R. Beck, S. Kohll, P. Guivarch, L. Lefaix, E. Legrand, J P. Pagnon, J C. Tavernier and R. Zaun. I would also like to thank Simon Meynard and Franz Ziereis who gave us some additional cocoons for a better chance of obtaining the cross between the two species involved. The natural pairing was obtained by using a calling A. sinensis female to trigger the male. Raising the caterpillars was a little tricky because in this period of early winter we could not use Liquidambar which had just shed its leaves (see Actias sinensis x Actias dubernardi pair and larvae by Franz Renner and Rainer Plontke). Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) and Eucalyptus gunii were used in this breeding, with the latter giving the best results.

Male (inflating) from Actias sinensis male x Actias dubernardi female,
courtesy of Robert Lemaitre and team (ex-pupae Robert Beck).

Female from Actias sinensis male x Actias dubernardi female,
courtesy of Eric Legrand, via Robert Lemaitre and team.

First instar from Actias sinensis male x Actias dubernardi female,
courtesy of Robert Lemaitre and team.

Second instar from Actias sinensis male x Actias dubernardi female,
courtesy of Robert Lemaitre and team.

Third instar from Actias sinensis male x Actias dubernardi female,
courtesy of Robert Lemaitre and team.

Fourth instar from Actias sinensis male x Actias dubernardi female,
courtesy of Robert Lemaitre and team.

Fifth instar from Actias sinensis male x Actias dubernardi female,
courtesy of Robert Beck, (photo by Robert Lemaitre) and team.

Fifth instar from Actias sinensis male x Actias dubernardi female,
courtesy of Robert Lemaitre and team.

Cocoons from Actias sinensis male x Actias dubernardi female,
courtesy of Robert Zaun, via Robert Lemaitre and team.

Cocoons from Actias sinensis male x Actias dubernardi female,
courtesy of Robert Beck, (photo by Robert Lemaitre) and team.

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