DISTRIBUTION:

Antheraea (Antheraeopsis) mezops has been synonymized with Antheraea (Antheraeopsis) castanea, and castanea takes precendence. S. Naumann, 2008. Hence, the moths depicted on this page are Antheraea (Antheraeopsis) castanea.

Antheraea (Antheraeopsis) castanea (wingspan: males: 160mm; females: 145mm) is a montane species which flies "from northern Myanmar to northern Vietnam via the Chinese Yunnan Plateau.

Antheraea castanea obviously prefers high elevations. Its altitudinal distribution ranges from 1600-2500 m (Myanmar and Vietnam) and 3000-3800 m (P. R. China). In lower elevations of the same localities morphological distinct populations [most likely Antheraea (Antheraeopsis) chengtuana Watson, 1923] of this subgenus are present. Antheraea castanea is a member of the castanea-group (= assamensis-group sensu Nässig). "

Antheraea (Antheraeopsis) castanea male, Mt Fan Si Pan, Lao Cai, Vietnam,
1900-2100m, July 5, 2008, courtesy of Vu Van Lien.

FLIGHT TIMES AND PREFERRED FOOD PLANTS:

Specimens have been taken in July and February. There may be additional flight months.

Antheraea (Antheraeopsis) castanea female, Fan Si Pan, northern Vietnam,
2000-2050m, February 2008, courtesy of Kelly Price.

Antheraea (Antheraeopsis) castanea female, Mt Fan Si Pan, Lao Cai, Vietnam,
1900-2100m, July 5, 2008, courtesy of Vu Van Lien.

ECLOSION, SCENTING AND MATING:

Males use highly developed 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.

EGGS, LARVAE, COCOONS AND PUPAE:

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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