DISTRIBUTION:

Orthogonioptilum fang (wingspan: males: 55-59mm; females: 69-75mm) flies in
Gabon: Estuaire, western Wolem-Ntem, Moyen-Ogooue, Ogooue-Ivindo, Ogooue-Lolo, Ngounie, Haut-Ogooue.

Orthogonioptilum arnoldi/neoprox/???, male, Ipassa Research Station, Ogooue-Ivindo, Gabon,
Novemver 2009, courtesy of Thibaud Decaens.

"I find it very difficult to determine identities of many of the Orthogoniptilum. In many cases there are several very similar species in the same habitat/location, and the generalized descriptions given in text references could apply to more than one species. The plates that I have available to me also are not of great quality, and it seems that specimens of this genus tend to fade rapidly in collections. My ability to read/translate French also is not great.

There may be much more obvious distinctions in fresh specimens or, even better, live moths.

The specimen from Ipassa Research Station has some features that suggest Orthogonioptilum neoprox, but it is hard to determine from photos if all characters are in order.

Philippe Darge describes neoprox as having a forewing anal angle that is greater than ninety degrees. In the live specimen, above, this angle seems less than ninety degrees, but the general distribution of colour, location and the small circular marking just below the costa at the juncture with the pm line are suggestive of neoprox.

I am more inclined to go with O. arnoldi, based primarily on subtle differences that suggest a better match for the image on Plate III in Darge's Saturniidae I. Philippe mentions, however, that the sightings for arnoldi in eastern Gabon are a bit problematic.

There are yet additional species (fang, etc.) that are very close, all reported from the same general area. Perhaps over time this will all get sorted out." Bill Oehlke

Philippe Darge indicates specimens have come from l'Abanga, Franceville, Monts de Cristal and Mont du Chaillu, Gabon.

I suspect it also flies in Equatorial Guinea.

Orthogonioptilum fang male, All Leps Barcode of Life.

The forewing is fairly falcate with a rounded apex. The ground colour is yellowish-brown. The am and pm lines are dark brown and distinct. The median area is often very contrasting, dark brown above the transverse line and brighter yellow-brown below. There are three tiny "points of light" on each wing.

Orthogonioptilum fang male, All Leps Barcode of Life.

Orthogonioptilum fang male (verso), All Leps Barcode of Life.

FLIGHT TIMES AND PREFERRED FOOD PLANTS:

This moth possibly flies in April-May. Records exist for a November flight.

Orthogonioptilum fang larval hosts are unknown.

Orthogonioptilum fang female, All Leps Barcode of Life.

Orthogonioptilum fang female, All Leps Barcode of Life.

ECLOSION, SCENTING AND MATING:

EGGS, LARVAE, COCOONS AND PUPAE:

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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