Paradirphia lasiocampina
Paradirphia lasiocampina ??
The following Paradirphia specimens are reported all from Guerrero, Mexico, at an elevation of 2280m.
Based on Lemaire's descriptions, I feel they are all most likely Paradirphia lasiocampina. However, one in
particular (#5) seems to far exceed the stated wingspan (males: 74-83mm; females: 88-103mm) by Lemaire.
Please offer comments by number to Bill Oehlke.
Much prior to 2012, Kirby Wolfe, Chris Conlan and Stefan Naumann have all looked at these specimens and have indicated they are all within variation
of Paradirphia lasiocampina.
Based on recent DNA barcoding analysis (2012),
I feel the moths on this page are more likely Lemaireodirphia guerreroiana. Bill Oehlke
1) Paradirphia lasiocampina male, 75mm, Guerrero, Mexico, 2280m,
courtesy of Kelly Price, tentative id by Bill Oehlke.
2) Paradirphia lasiocampina male, 77mm, Guerrero, Mexico, 2280m,
courtesy of Kelly Price, tentative id by Bill Oehlke.
3) Paradirphia lasiocampina male, 83mm, Guerrero, Mexico, 2280m,
courtesy of Kelly Price, tentative id by Bill Oehlke.
4) Paradirphia lasiocampina female, 95mm, Guerrero, Mexico, 2280m,
courtesy of Kelly Price, tentative id by Bill Oehlke.
5) Paradirphia lasiocampina male, 95.8mm (actual measurement), Guerrero, Mexico, 2280m,
courtesy of Kelly Price, tentative id by Bill Oehlke.
Kelly has indicated he will send tip of abdomen for examination of genitalia, and/or a leg for DNA analysis, if anyone is interested.
Perhaps the very large male #5 is just a large P. lasiocampina; perhaps it is a new species that seems to exceed stated wingspans of any other
Paradirphia.
Please send comments by # to Bill Oehlke. Thanks for your time.