DISTRIBUTION:

The Loepa damartis moth flies in southeastern China: Hubei, Sichuan, Hainan, Guangdong and Xizang, and probably in neighbouring provinces. Stefan Naumann confirms it from Gansu as well as from Sichuan, Yunnan, Shaanxi and nearby provinces.

I believe the subspecies from Sichuan, China is now classified as Loepa damartis szechwana, Chu and Wang; maybe not as lectotype is from Sichuan.

Loepa damartis male, Sichuan, China, courtesy of Eric van Schayck.

FLIGHT TIMES AND PREFERRED FOOD PLANTS:

I suspect this species has multiple broods. The eggs overwinter. Cissus, grape and Virginia creeper would likely prove to be suitable hosts.

Franz Renner indicates he has had success with Vitis, (Grape) and his experience is that is all the hatchlings will eat. Once they are half grown, they will also accept Parthenocissus (Woodbine).

ECLOSION, SCENTING AND MATING:

Females call at night. Males fly into the wind and track the pheromone plume with their sophisticated antennae.

EGGS, LARVAE, COCOONS AND PUPAE:

This species diapauses in the egg stage.

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.

Parthenocissus....... Vitis

Woodbine Grape

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Loepa damartis LT male, Sichuan, China,
on my home computer only.

Loepa damartis male, China,
Eric van Schayck.