DISTRIBUTION:

The Syntherata naessigi moth flies in Papua New Guinea, and Kiriwina (= Trobriand) Islands. BOLD Systems limits it to Losula, Kiriwana Island (due north of Goodenough Island), and Goodenough Island.

Syntherata naessigi male, on my home computer only.

Syntherata naessigi male, on my home computer only.

I am guessing at the identification of the moth pictured at the top of the page based on geography and similarity to other Syntherata species. Confirmation would be appreciated.

Indications are the moth is more likely the highly variable Syntherata janetta.

Syntherata naessigi male, on my home computer only.

Syntherata naessigi male, on my home computer only.

FLIGHT TIMES AND PREFERRED FOOD PLANTS:

Syntherata naessigi male, on my home computer only.

Syntherata naessigi male, on my home computer only.

ECLOSION, SCENTING AND MATING:

Females extend a scent gland from the tip of their abdomens to "call" the males. Males use their antennae to hone in on the airbourne pheromone.

Syntherata naessigi female, on my home computer only.

EGGS, LARVAE, COCOONS AND PUPAE:

White, ovate eggs are deposited in rows of 8-12 on hostplant foliage.

Larvae pupate in stiff oval cocoons spun up among food-plant or nearby vegetation.

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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