Forbes Silkmoth (Rothschildia forbesi lebeau) life cycle

Larval hosts: Lime Prickly Ash (Zanthoxylum fagara), Mexican Ash (Fraxinus berlandieriana), Willow (Salix), Peach (Prunus persica), citrus (Citrus), Acacia (Acacia) and Privet.


I've raise them on Lime Prickly Ash, Mexican Ash and Privet

Adult female moth recently emerged from cocoon - these moths do not have mouth parts and do not feed. They live for about a week.

Forbes Silkmoth - Mating pair

Forbes Silkmoth - ovipositing female

Forbes Silkmoth - the eggs laid

Forbes Silkmoth - More eggs

Forbes Silkmoth - even laid on brown paper

Forbes Silkmoth - first instar caterpillars
Just look at those cute little eggs they hatched out of.

Forbes Silkmoth - second instar caterpillar

Forbes Silkmoth - third instar caterpillar - recently molted

Forbes Silkmoth - third instar caterpillars - one recently molted, the other a couple of days old

Forbes Silkmoth - fourth instar caterpillar - recently molted

Forbes Silkmoth - fourth instar caterpillar - a few days older

Forbes Silkmoth - my how they do get big!!!

Forbes Silkmoth - and it has cute little feet!

Forbes Silkmoth - starting to pupate - note silk threads

Forbes Silkmoth - more silking

Forbes Silkmoth - and still more to form the cocoon

Forbes Silkmoth - all done

Here's looking at you! Ventral view.

One last look at the dorsal view