Brahmaea (Bramophthalma) wallichii japonica

Inoue

Brahmaea wallichii japonica male from Taiwan.

Wavy lines and alternating light and dark colours provide considerable camouflage on tree bark. The greenish tinge of forewings is especially helpful on a mossy bole. Brahmaea (Bramophthalma) wallichii japonica flies in Japan and Taiwan. Note the well developed antennae typical of males of this species.

Moths are on the wing as a single brood with eclosions in the spring: March, April, May.

Brahmaea (Bramophthalma) wallichii japonica male from Japan.

Early instar larvae have the chitinous, elongated scoli so typical of this genus. Larvae become smooth skinned in fourth and fifth instars and probably feed on Lilac (Syringa) and Privet (Ligustrum). Mature larvae descend host foliage to pupate underground or under surface litter. Pupae can be stored above freezing during the winter months.

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