DISTRIBUTION:

The Samia naessigi moth (forewing length: males: 61-78mm; females: 79-81mm) flies only, so far as is known, on the northern part of Halmahera Island in eastern Indonesia.

There is a very small secondary eyespot (i.e. very small dark dot, barely visible on images) below the main eyespot, with some orange scaling from the main eyespot inward.

Pink scales emanate from the postmedian line, outward along the veins. The pm line is quite straight on all wings except near the anal angle of the hindwing.

The species is named to honour Wolfgang A. Naessig.

FLIGHT TIMES AND PREFERRED FOOD PLANTS:

Moths have been taken in January, March, April, May, June, November and December.

Larvae and their hosts are unknown.

ECLOSION, SCENTING AND MATING:

Females extend a scent gland from the tip of their abdomens to "call" the males which seem to be on the wing from 2:30 am until dawn. Males use their antennae to hone in on the airbourne pheromone.

Female flight, from very limited data, seems to be much earlier, 0:55.

Samia naessigi female.

EGGS, LARVAE, COCOONS AND PUPAE:

Larvae and their hosts are unknown.

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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