DISTRIBUTION:

The Saturnia (Rinaca) thibeta arctica flies in China (possibly Guangdong). Eric van Schayck indicates a specimen from Shaanxi.

Most recent taxonomies probably place this moth as Saturnia (Rinaca) thibeta arctica.

Saturnia (Rinaca) thibeta arctica male courtesy of Eric van Schayck.

FLIGHT TIMES AND PREFERRED FOOD PLANTS:

Moths are probably on the wing in October-November.

Larvae feed upon Andromeda ovalifolia.

Saturnia (Rinaca) thibeta arctica (female), Shaanxi, China, courtesy of Eric van Schayck.

ECLOSION, SCENTING AND MATING:

Females extend a scent gland from the tip of their abdomens to "call" the males. Males use their antennae to hone in on the airbourne pheromone.

EGGS, LARVAE, COCOONS AND PUPAE:

The long neon green body hair prevalent in the final instar makes this species a very interesting one to rear.

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.

Andromeda ovalifolia.......

Bog-rosemary

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