DISTRIBUTION:

The Loepa meyi moth (forewing length: males: 47-48mm; female: 43mm) flies in southern and western parts of Shaanxi province in China at elevations of 1300-1800m.

Type locality: China, Tibet, Yigong, ca. 30º30'N, 94º80'E, 2000 m. Holotype: CSNB. male. gen. No. 522/01. Naumann. V.1996. leg. Wang.

This moth is very similar to L. melli, described in 2012 from Gansu, China, which possibly replaces meyi in Shaanxi?? WO

FLIGHT TIMES AND PREFERRED FOOD PLANTS:

I suspect this species has multiple broods, although in the cooler mountains of Shaanxi, there may only be a single flight in August-September. Cissus, grape and Virginia creeper would likely prove to be suitable hosts.

Speaking of Loepa meyi and Loepa damartis, Stefan Naumann writes, "Loepa meyi is a much smaller species with more vivid yellow colour, similar to L. miranda."

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:

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.

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The species name meyi is honourific for Dr. Wolfgang Mey of Zoologisches Museum der Humboldt-Universitat, Berlin.