DISTRIBUTION:

Copaxa garciorum (wingspan: males: 45-48mm; females: 51mm) flies in
Mexico: Oaxaca, at elevations of around 2000m.

Males of this species do come to lights, but usually around dawn so that is probably the calling time of the females.

This species is slightly larger than Copaxa multifenestrata (mfwl: 42mm), known from Veracruz, Mexico.

I am not so good at translating German, but I think the hyaline areas on Copaxa garciorum are slightly larger than found in Copaxa multifenestrata, and possibly often more numerous as well.

Copaxa garciorum/multifenestrata male, Mexico,
courtesy of Eric van Schayck,
tentative id by Bill Oehlke.

I am not sure if the reddish male depicted above is Copaxa garciorum or Copaxa multifenestrata. The forewing shape (less produced, less pointed forewing apex, and less oblique outer margin of the specimen below) seems a better match for the Entomo Satphingia image of garciorum than the does the image above, which may therefore be C. multifenestrata. I will also post it to the multifenestrata page.

Copaxa garciorum, male, southern Oaxaca - Northern Chiapas, Mexico,
wingspan: 100 mm, courtesy of Kelly Price.

FLIGHT TIMES AND PREFERRED FOOD PLANTS:

Copaxa garciorum larvae probably feed upon avocado (Persea americana). Uwe Kaus reports success rearing them on Salix alba, White Willow. There is also a report of success with Goat Willow, Salix caprea.

Most of the Copaxa brood continuously so I suspect Copaxa garciorum would be on the wing every month of the year. Specimens have been taken in the wild in June, and stock reared in captivity has emerged in August.

ECLOSION, SCENTING AND MATING:

Male Copaxa garciorum moths use highly developed antennae to locate females by tracking the airbourne pheromone plume. The female releases this scent into the air via an organ extended from the tip of the abdomen.

EGGS, LARVAE, COCOONS AND PUPAE:

Copaxa garciorum, probably second or third instar, Mexico,
on white willow, courtesy of Uwe Kauz.

Copaxa garciorum, fifth instar, Mexico,
on white willow, courtesy of Uwe Kauz.

This very interesting image of a Copaxa larva from Puebla, Puebla, Mexiko (about 80 miles southeast from Mexiko City) on an avocado tree, size about 7 cm, was sent to me by Christian Steger.

I think it is Copaxa multifenestrata, but even Kirby Wolfe is not sure.

It is hoped that this alphabetical listing followed by the common name of the anticipated foodplant will prove useful. The list is not exhaustive. Experimenting with closely related foodplants is worthwhile.

Persea americana ....... Salix alba (UK) Salix caprea

Avocado White Willow Goat Willow

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Copaxa garciorum male

Copaxa garciorum female