DISTRIBUTION:

R. erycina occurs in its various subspecies from Mexico to Argentina. R. erycina luciana is known only from St. Lucia; St Vincent and Martinique in the Lesser Antilles.

R. erycina luciana (wingspan: approximately 130mm) has been placed in the subgroup of six species characterized by 1) two longitudinal white stripes on the dorsal surface of the abdomen, 2) two or three subapical spots on the forewing and 3) a white prothoracic collar: jacobaeae; condor; tucumani; erycina; belus; hopfferi.

Jacobaeae, condor and tucumani have large rounded spots, while those of erycina, belus and hopfferi are narrow triangles.

R. erycina luciana is about the same size as nominate erycina and has pinkish brown ground colour on all wings.

FLIGHT TIMES AND PREFERRED FOOD PLANTS:

A specimen has been taken in late August in Martinique.

Cherry is probably the prefered hostplant for captive rearing. It has been reported on Exostemma sanctae-luciae, (Rubiaceae), in its native habitat.

Rothschildia erycina luciana female, Morne Bellevue, Martinique,
courtesy of Robert Vuattoux.

ECLOSION, SCENTING AND MATING:

Mating occurs in the wee hours of the morning with males on the wing around 3:00 am.

The female stil has the much pronounced forewing apex, but generally her wings are much more rounded.

EGGS, LARVAE, COCOONS, AND PUPAE:

Larvae probably do best on Prunus. They also probably take Ailanthus quite readily but grow slowly on privet.

Rothschildia erycina luciana fifth instar, Martinique,
on my home computer only.

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.

Ailanthus altissima Exostemma sanctae-luciae ....... Ligustrum Prunus

Ailanthus Exostemma sanctae-luciae Privet Cherry

RETURN TO Main Saturniidae Index

Return to Rothschildia Index

The pronunciation of scientific names is troublesome for many. The "suggestion" at the top of the page is merely a suggestion.

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

"Rothschildia" is chosen to honour one of the Rothschilds, possibly William.

The species name, erycina, is for Eryx of Sicily who became known to the Romans as Venus Erycina, more commonly known as Venus, the beautiful goddess of love.

The subspecies name, luciana is for the specimen type locality in Santa Lucia.