DISTRIBUTION:

Samia beekei (forewing length: males: 117mm; females: 1mm) moth flies in southern Vietnam: Bac Kan Province, Xuat Hoa village, 110m.

FLIGHT TIMES AND PREFERRED FOOD PLANTS:

The species probably broods continuously and there are probably seasonal peaks. Specimens have been recorded on the wing in November.

Larvae are probably polyphagous on native trees, but natural hosts remain unknown.

ECLOSION, SCENTING AND MATING:

The female begins scenting after dark by projecting a scent gland from the posterior tip of her abdomen. Males fly into the breeze, probably from 2:30 am until dawn, and hone in on the pheromone plume via their highly developed and sensitive antennae.

Samia beekei female, Vietnam,
117mm, courtesy of Ulrich Paukstadt.

Samia wangi ?? (possibly Samia beekei), female, Tam Dao, Vihn Phuc, Vietnam,
900m, courtesy of Vu Van Lien, tentative id by Bill Oehlke.

EGGS, LARVAE, COCOONS AND PUPAE:

Eggs are probably deposited on host foliage with incubation probably requiring eight to ten days.

Samia wangi ?? (possibly Samia beekei) fifth instar, Tam Dao, Vihn Phuc, Vietnam, 900m, courtesy of Vu Van Lien, tentative id by Bill Oehlke.

Samia wangi ?? (possibly Samia beekei) cocoon, Tam Dao, Vihn Phuc, Vietnam, 900m, courtesy of Vu Van Lien, tentative id by Bill Oehlke.

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.

unknown.......

unknown

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