DISTRIBUTION: The Antheraea paukstadtorum moth (wingspan approx. 95-130 mm) flies in Sulawesi in Indonesia. Antheraea paukstadtorum, by Bill Oehlke, id by Stefan Naumann. Based on the large number of specimens I received from South Sulawesi, I suspect this species is quite common. Undersides showed both forms, reddish brown and grey-brown. The male forewings are quite falcate, while those of the female have a relatively straight outer margin.

Males show considerable variation in colour, and the transverse dark bar also seems to be optional.

Antheraea paukstadtorum male, Mamasa, Sulawesi, 122mm, courtesy of Dave Rolfe.

Antheraea paukstadtorum male, Mamasa, Sulawesi, 114mm, courtesy of Dave Rolfe.

FLIGHT TIMES AND PREFERRED FOOD PLANTS:

This species probably broods continuously. There is a flight in March. Larvae accept birch and apple.

Antheraea paukstadtorum female, South Sulawesi, Mt. Sampuraga, 1400 m
from http://wildsilkmoth-indonesia.com/pic/swapau.html

Antheraea paukstadtorum female, Indonesia, Sulawesi, Palopo, courtesy of Martin Jagelka.

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.

Males have both light and dark forms.

Antheraea paukstadtorum male, South Sulawesi, Puncak Palopo, 1300 m
from http://wildsilkmoth-indonesia.com/pic/swapau.html

Antheraea paukstadtorum male, Mamasa, Sulawesi, 123mm, courtesy of Dave Rolfe.

Antheraea paukstadtorum male, Mamasa, Sulawesi, 118mm, courtesy of Dave Rolfe.

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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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, paukstadtorum, is honourific for Ulrich and Laela Paukstadt.

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