DISTRIBUTION:

The Attacus lemairei moth (forewing length: males: 104-112mm; females: 115mm) (wingspan: males: approximately 187-194mm; females: 198mm +) flies in the Philippines and is endemic to Palawan and Balabac from sea level to 1000m.

Attacus lemairei male, Puerto Princess, Narra, Palawan, Philippines,
September 15, 2006, 187mm, courtesy of Dave Rolfe.

The black scaling in the outer portion of the red dash near the forewing apex, which is also generally devoid of yellow, helps to distinguish this species from A. atlas.

Attacus lemairei male, Palawan, Philippines,
August 2004, 194mm, courtesy of Dave Rolfe.

Both sexes (supposedly ??) have a first accessory fenestrae, and this character calls into question the image at the top of the page, which does have the large purplish blue patch near the apex, typical of A. lorquinii. The images from Palawan are also in question, but may be true A. lemairei showing variation without secondary fenestrae.

A. lemairei also has heavy black scaling around the triangular fenestrae. A. caesar lacks this heavy black scaling. Male A. lemairei have a scalloped hindwing outer margin.

FLIGHT TIMES AND PREFERRED FOOD PLANTS:

Attacus lemairei have been taken in May, August, September and October, suggesting two or three broods at least.

Larvae are probably polyphagus and feed on Nauclea orientalis (Rubiaceae), guyabano, "atis" (custard apple) (Annonaceae), Sandoricum koetjape (santol), "banaba" (Tagalog name) and Hibiscus sp. In Europe also on Ligustrum.

Attacus lemairei male, Palawan,
courtesy of Andreas Riekert, Germany

ECLOSION, SCENTING AND MATING:

Females extend a scent gland from the posterior tip of the abdomen to call in night-flying males. Moths are active from 10:00 pm until 1:00 am with peak activity between 11:00 and midnight.

EGGS, LARVAE, COCOONS, AND PUPAE:

This third instar larva shows the fleshy scoli and white powder typical of Attacus species.

Larvae pass through five instars and spin a double-walled cocoon at maturity. In the final instar scoli are less fleshy and there is less white powdering on the body.

Attacus lemairei cocoon and pupae, Palawan, Philippines,
courtesy of Jurgen Vanhoudt

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.

Annona Hibiscus Ligustrum Nauclea orientalis Sandoricum koetjape.......

Custard apple Hibiscus Privet Guyabano Banaba

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