DISTRIBUTION:

Orthogonioptilum nigrescens (wingspan: males: 58-65mm; females: larger) flies in southwest Cameroon, in Gabon, and probably in Equatorial Guinea including Bioko Island.

This species is olive brown with a darker median area on the forewing. The small "points of light" are surrounded by scales lighter than the general median area.

The forewing marginal area is delineated by a circular arc. The area is narrow, and a clear (unmarked) greenish colour.

The forewing transverse line and post median line blend in with the darker colouration and are vestigial. The hindwing is quite triangular and seems to have a single, small "point of light".

* It is still (2006) very difficult to indentify many of the Orthogonioptilum species. The image at the top of the page from Elone may not be properly identified by myself, Bill Oehlke.

Philippe Darge seems to indicate a range in Cameroon much closer to the coast (Elone is the central part of Sud Province), but the wing shape and Philippe's description and image in his Saturniidae I seem a better match for this specimen than for any other of the species listed.

The moth is also a pretty good match in patterning and colouration to O. piersoni, but seems to show considerably less contrast in colour changes from one area to the next.

It might even be O. neoprox which is quite common in southern Cameroon, however the forewing anal angle of the specimen seems about ninety degrees whereas in O. neoprox the same angle is always obtuse.

FLIGHT TIMES AND PREFERRED FOOD PLANTS:

This moth flies in June, July and August.

Orthogonioptilum nigrescens larval hosts are unknown.

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.

Use your browser "Back" button to return to the previous page.

Return to Orthogonioptilum Genus

Go to Index for African Saturniidae

Go to Main Index for all Worldwide Saturniidae

The pronunciation of scientific names is troublesome for many. The "suggestion" at the top of the page is merely a suggestion.

There are many collectors from different countries whose intonations and accents would be different.

The genus name Orthogonioptilum refers to the nearly right angle at the anal angle of the forewing.

The species name is probably for the dark ground colour of this species.