Epiphora intermedia
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Updated as per Butterflies and moths of Kakamega Forest, (Congo, Uganda, Kenya), Naumann in Kühne (2008); November 2010
Updated as per personal communication with Bart Coppens (Kakamega Forest, Kenya); November 17, 2016
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Epiphora intermedia
(Rougeot, 1955)
(Drepanoptera)
Epiphora ploetzi male, Central African Republic,
courtesy of John Kamps, id by Thierry Bouyer as ploetzi or intermedia.
Epiphora intermedia male, Kakamega Forest, Kenya,
courtesy of Bart Coppens, id confirmed by DNA testing by Andrew Spicer.
This site has been created by Bill Oehlke.
Comments, suggestions and/or additional information are welcomed by Bill.
| TAXONOMY:
Superfamily: Bombycoidea, Latreille, 1802
Family: Saturniidae, Boisduval, [1837] 1834
Subfamily: Saturniinae, Boisduval, [1837] 1834
Tribe: Attacini, Blanchard, 1840
Genus: Epiphora, Wallengren, 1860
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DISTRIBUTION:
I have very little information
about many of the African species. Distribution/range, flight times,
images, etc., would be greatly appreciated.
Send info and/or pictures to Bill Oehlke. Every little bit helps!
FLIGHT TIMES AND PREFERRED FOOD PLANTS:
Specimens have been reported in April, May and August-February over grassland and farmland (NiK).
Epiphora intermedia male, Kakamega Forest, Kenya,
courtesy of Bart Coppens, id confirmed by DNA testing by Andrew Spicer.
Epiphora intermedia larvae probably feed on Citrus, Maesopsis eminii, Paullinia,
Zanthoxylum macrophyllum and Fagara macrophylla.
Epiphora intermedia female, Kakamega Forest, Kenya,
courtesy of Bart Coppens, id confirmed by DNA testing by Andrew Spicer.
ECLOSION, SCENTING AND MATING:
Epiphora intermedia females extend a scent gland from the posterior tip of the abdomen to call in the night-flying
males. The pair remains coupled until the following evening.
The wings of the female are more rounded than those of the male.
EGGS, LARVAE, COCOONS, AND PUPAE:
The cocoon is double walled and resembles the cocoon of the Hyalophora.
Steve Ife writes, I am feeding these larvae on "Ceonothus! I've only had these as larvae for a bit over a week, and they are into mid L3. I've got them two
larva per one litre plastic container, sealed, and fresh food goes in every two days, with a bit of water mist on the leaves. The larvae seem to like to
drink. No losses so far."
Epiphora intermedia first instar,
July 25, 2020, Kenya, courtey of Steve Ife.
Epiphora intermedia second instar,
July 29, 2020, Kenya, courtey of Steve Ife.
Epiphora intermedia second instar, molting,
July 29, 2020, Kenya, courtey of Steve Ife.
Epiphora intermedia third instar,
July 31, 2020, Kenya, courtey of Steve Ife.
Epiphora intermedia fourth instar,
August 3, 2020, Kenya, courtey of Steve Ife.
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.
Ceanothus (SI)
Citrus
Fagara macrophylla.....
Maesopsis eminii
Paullinia
Zanthoxylum macrophyllum.......
| Ceanothus
Citrus
East African Satin Wood
Muhumula/Musira
Guarana
Hercules' club
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Return to Epiphora Genus
Return to Main Saturniidae Index