DISTRIBUTION: Antheraea cordifolia moth (forewing lenghth 70-85mm) (wingspan: males: 134mm; females: probably larger) flies in Indonesia: Sulawesi Selatan Province, Puncak Palopo. Based on a number of specimens I received from south Sulawesi, I suspect this species is fairly common, although not as common as A. paukstadtorum. This moth is considerably larger than A. paukstadtorum. Image by Bill Oehlke, identification by Stefan Naumann.

FLIGHT TIMES AND PREFERRED FOOD PLANTS:

Antheraea cordifolia larvae feed on

Adults have been taken in February and July and the moth probably broods continuously.

Alan Marson has reared what he thinks are Antheraea cordifolia on Eucalyptus gunnii.

Female Antheraea cordifolia from Ulrich Brosch collection.

Antheraea cordifolia female, Sulawesi,
courtesy of Eric Van Schayck.

ECLOSION, SCENTING AND MATING:

Males which have more falcate wings, use antennae to detect female scent which is distributed into the wind. Males fly into the wind in a zigzag pattern to detect the pheromone and subsequently locate the female.

Antheraea cordifolia male, 134mm, Sulawesi, courtersy of Dave Rolfe.

Antheraea cordifolia male, Sulawesi,
courtesy of Eric Van Schayck.

EGGS, LARVAE, COCOONS AND PUPAE:

Antheraea cordifoliaeggs on Eucalyptus gunnii,
Sulawesi, courtesy of Alan Marson.

Antheraea cordifolia hatchlings on Eucalyptus gunnii,
Sulawesi, courtesy of Alan Marson.

Antheraea cordifolia first instar on Eucalyptus gunnii,
Sulawesi, courtesy of Alan Marson.

Antheraea cordifolia first instars on Eucalyptus gunnii,
Sulawesi, courtesy of Alan Marson.

Antheraea cordifolia second instar on Eucalyptus gunnii,
Sulawesi, courtesy of Alan Marson.

Antheraea cordifolia second instar on Eucalyptus gunnii,
Sulawesi, courtesy of Alan Marson.

Antheraea cordifolia fourth instar on Eucalyptus gunnii,
Sulawesi, courtesy of Alan Marson.

Antheraea cordifolia fifth instar on Eucalyptus gunnii,
Sulawesi, courtesy of Alan Marson.

Antheraea cordifolia fifth instar on Eucalyptus gunnii,
Sulawesi, courtesy of Alan Marson.

Antheraea cordifolia fifth instar on Eucalyptus gunnii,
Sulawesi, courtesy of Alan Marson.

Larval Food Plants

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The pronunciation of scientific names is troublesome for many. The "suggestion" at the top of the page is merely a suggestion. It is based on commonly accepted English pronunciation of Greek names and/or some fairly well accepted "rules" for latinized scientific names.

The suggested pronunciations, on this page and on other pages, are primarily put forward to assist those who hear with internal ears as they read.

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

"Antheraea" is derived from either the Latin "anthra" referring to pollen held in the anther (top part of stamen = male part of flower) or from the Greek feminine of "anthros" meaning flowery. There may be a link to the large and feathery antennae which distinguish many of the males of this genus.

The species name, cordifolia, is Latin for 'heart-shaped leaf' and may refer to the shape of the hindwing of the male.

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