Male Rothschildia lebeau forbesi courtesy of Leroy Simon . Adult moths emerge in the early evening, and mating occurs from about 10 PM to midnight. The wings of the female are less falcate than those of the male. Eggs are deposited in the evening on host plant leaves in rows of three to six.
Young caterpillars feed in groups while older ones are solitary feeders.
The cocoon hangs on a twig during the winter, attached by a strong silken stem. Larvae strongly resemble cincta caterpillars, but forbesi have more pronounced yellow dorsal scoli tipped with fine black spines. Photo courtesy of Leroy Simon. Larvae colouration regarding spines can vary considerably though. It is hoped that this alphabetical listing followed by the common name of the foodplant will prove useful.