DISTRIBUTION:

Epiphora rectifascia watulegei (wingspan: males: 120-132mm; females: ) is one of the few Attacini in Africa. BOLD Systems records it in
Tanzania and
Kenya. NiK (2008) adds Uganda.

Epiphora rectifascia watulegei male, sorry, image not available.

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 oehlkew@islandtelecom.com. Every little bit helps!

FLIGHT TIMES AND PREFERRED FOOD PLANTS:

Specimens have been taken in March and October in Kenya: over grassland and old secondary forest (NiK).

Epiphora rectifascia watulegei larvae probably feed on Citrus, Maesopsis eminii, Paullinia, Zanthoxylum macrophyllum and Fagara macrophylla.

NiK reports them on Maesa emini, Zizyphus mauritiana, Fagara zanthoxyloides.

Epiphora rectifascia watulegei, sorry, image not available.

ECLOSION, SCENTING AND MATING:

Epiphora rectifascia watulegei 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 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.

Citrus Fagara macrophylla..... Maesopsis eminii Paullinia Zanthoxylum macrophyllum.......

Citrus East African Satin Wood Muhumula/Musira Guarana Hercules' club

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