South China Luna Moth (Saturnidae Saturniinae Actias heterogyna)

Ova were collected from a female attracted to lights at Tai Lung Experimental Farm in Fan Ling, New Territories, Hong Kong the second week of March, 2000.  Most ova hatched about 4-5 days later, with some taking an extra few days.  Larval development rate through 5 instars varied, as the dates below show.  Larva were fed Liquidamber (Sweet Gum).  The yellowish, male moths are only about 2/3 the size of the females.  The females on the other hand, are about the size of the male Actias selene.  From ova to the first eclosure for this brood, only 5 weeks transpired!  Actias heterogyna is continuously brooded and has only been found natively in South China (including Hong Kong).


The ova were 2 mm / 0.08 inch in diameter.
Ova were laid on March 18, 2000


The 1st  instar larvae were 5.5 mm / 0.2 inches long.
The three 2nd instar larvae were about 10 mm / 0.38 inches long;
The question-mark posture was the typical resting position for 2nd instar larvae.
March 22, 2000.

A new 3rd instar larvae was about 1.5 cm / 0.6 inch long.
March 27, 2000.


This 3rd  instar larvae was about 2 cm / 0.8 inches long.
March 28, 2000.

A mature, 3rd instar larvae, about 2.5 cm / 1 inches long.
April 2, 2000


This 4th instar larva is about 6.4 cm / 2.5 inches long.
From the larger size, it was most likely a female.
Note that the breathing sphiricles are aqua colored, compared with
the 3rd instar's almost black color.  Note also the setae are shorter than the 5th instar's.
April 11, 2000.

The mature  5th instar larva was about 3.6 cm / 1.4 inches long (non-extended).
April 6, 2000.


The pupa is formed inside a heavy silk cocoon;
This cocoon was made on April 11, 2000.


The pupa was about 3 cm / 1.2 inch long.

The male moth in normal rest position.

Top side of male moth.
Wingspan  was  7 cm / 2.7 inches.
Eclosure took place on  April 26, 2000.
Underside of male moth.


The female moth in rest position.
 
 
 

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This page last updated 9-Sep-2001.