DISTRIBUTION:

Samia luzonica (wingspan: approx. Males: ; females: 126mm / forewing length: males: 53-69mm; females: 80-83mm) flies on all islands of
the Philippines except Palawan.

Samia luzonica female, Mt. Balocaue, Leyte, Philippines,
wingspan: 126.85mm, courtesy/copyright Kelly Price.

Samia luzonica male, Patag, Negros Occidental, Philippines,
July 12, 2012, courtesy of Lary E. Reeves.

The forewing postmedian line of this species is very straight, the hindwing pm line is straight (not curved) but undulating, and the white band is quite thick. The crescents are long and narrow and frequently break the line. The outer, upper edge of the crescents seems to have a slight upward projection. Samia luzonica female, Philippines, courtesy of Ken Thorne; id by Stefan Naumann.

Samia luzonica (female), Philippines, courtesy of Eric van Schayck.

FLIGHT TIMES AND PREFERRED FOOD PLANTS:

The species probably broods continuously, but there are definite, seasonal peaks. The specimen from Mt. Balocaue, Philippines was taken in July/August 2006 between 600-1000m.

Larvae feed on Persea americana and Thevetia, and can be reared on Cinnamomum camphora and Ailanthus altissima.

Samia luzonica male, Leyte, Philippines,
courtesy of Eric van Schack, id by Bill Oehlke.

Samia luzonica, male, February 14, 2006, courtesy of Anthony Darby.

Samia luzonica, female, February 14, 2006, courtesy of Anthony Darby.

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 and hone in on the pheromone plume via their highly developed and sensitive antennae.

EGGS, LARVAE, COCOONS AND PUPAE:

Eggs are deposited on host foliage with incubation requiring eight to ten days. Larvae develop quickly and are spectacular even in early instars. Images courtesy of Leroy Simon.

Samia luzonica fourth instar, Philippines, courtesy of Leroy Simon.

Samia luzonica fifth instar, Philippines, courtesy of Leroy Simon.

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.

Ailanthus altissima Cinnamomum camphora....... Persea americana Thevetia

Ailanthus Camphor Avocado Yellow Oleander/Lucky Nut

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