DISTRIBUTION:

Mexicantha oaxacana (forewing length: males: 23-24.5mm; females: mm // wingspan: males: 50mm; females: mm) flies in
Mexico: western Oaxaca: Cerro del Vidrio, at elevations near 1700-1980m.

The forewing cell markings distinguish this species from the other two Mexicantha species described as of 2014. On the forewing, pale orange bars run between darker dots in the cell region. The basal, median and subterminal areas of the hindwing are heavily suffused with dark grey scales and hairs.

FLIGHT TIMES:

Thus far (2014) specimens have been taken in May, July and October. There are possibly additional flight months (possibly June-July), but medium-high elevation may limit this species to two to three annual broods.

Larval hosts are unknown, but it is anticipated that larvae will accept bamboo. In some portions of its range, garciorum and oaxacana are sympatric.

Mexicantha oaxacana male (verso), Oaxaca, Mexico, May, 2012,
courtesy of Fernando Calvo; id by Bill Oehlke.

Mexicantha oaxacana male (verso), 50mm, Mexico: Oaxaca: Cerro del Vidrio,
May, 1700-1980m, on my home computer only

ECLOSION, SCENTING AND MATING

EGGS, LARVAE, COCOONS AND PUPAE:

Typical of the Hemileucinae, larvae have urticating spines.

Larval Food Plants

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.

Phyllostachis (BW) ?.......

Bamboo ?

Return to Mexicantha Genus

Return to Main Saturniidae Index

The pronunciation of scientific names is troublesome for many. The "suggestion" at the top of the page is merely a suggestion. It is based on commonly accepted English pronunciation of Greek names and/or some fairly well accepted "rules" for latinized scientific names.

The suggested pronunciations, on this page and on other pages, are primarily put forward to assist those who hear with internal ears as they read.

There are many collectors from different countries whose intonations and accents would be different.

The genus name Mexicantha was possibly chosen for a similarity to the Catacantha genus, and a type from Mexico.

The species name "oaxacana" is indicative of a specimen type location in Oaxaca, Mexico.