DISTRIBUTION:

The Epiphora mineti moth (wingspan: approximately 120-133mm) is one of the few Attacini in Africa. This species flies in West and Central Africa and is readily taken in
Cameroon: Sud Province: Elone; Est Province: Yokadouma.

According to Bouyer's Catalogue, 1999, this is the same moth as Epiphora styrax. Mineti was described first and would have precedence, if the two moths are indeed the same.

Epiphora mineti male, Elone (Sud Province), Cameroon, 800m
July 2006, wingspan 120mm, courtesy of Sebastian Brandner, confirmed by Thierry Bouyer.

Epiphora mineti male (verso), Elone (Sud Province), Cameroon, 800m
July 2006, wingspan 120mm, courtesy of Sebastian Brandner, confirmed by Thierry Bouyer.

FLIGHT TIMES AND PREFERRED FOOD PLANTS:

Epiphora mineti fly in July and probably other months in Camerooon. Larval host are unknown.

Epiphora mineti female, sorry, image not available.

Epiphora mineti female, sorry, image not available.

ECLOSION, SCENTING AND MATING:

Epiphora mineti 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.

Epiphora mineti, Cameroon, courtesy of Eric van Schayck.

EGGS, LARVAE, COCOONS, AND PUPAE:

The cocoon is double walled and resembles the cocoon of the Hyalphora.

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.

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