DISTRIBUTION:

The Actias ignescens moth (forewing length: males: 55-70mm; females: 80mm) is found on the Andaman Islands of India.

FLIGHT TIMES AND PREFERRED FOOD PLANTS:

Specimens have been taken at lights in January and August-September, suggesting at least two flights.

Actias ignescens, Adaman Islands, India, August,
on my honme computer only.

The preferred foodplant of this moon moth is Crypteronia paniculata.

ECLOSION, SCENTING AND MATING:

Males use pectinate antennae to locate scenting females at night. Mating probably occurs after 10:30 pm and the pair remain coupled until the following evening.

EGGS, LARVAE, COCOONS, AND PUPAE: Eggs are medium-sized round, flattened spheres. Larvae turn green in the second instar and remain that colour until spinning cocoons. The first instar is predominantly orange with a black saddle. Actias ignescens fifth instar, from literature cited.

The cocoon is typical of those of the Actias genus. It is papery, thin-walled, single and lacks an escape valve. Reared cocoons seem to be lighter in colour than the few found in the wild. Actias ignescens fifth instar, from literature cited.

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.

Crypteronia paniculata .......

Crypteronia paniculata

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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 species name "ignescens" refers to fire and indicates the burnt orangey-brown colour of the male forewing.

The genus name, Actias, probably comes from the Greek Actaeon, who is the hunter who had the misfortune of being torn to pieces by his own dogs after accidentally encountering the naked goddess Artemis. To punish him, Artemis splashed water on Actaeon and turned him into a stag. There is an Asian species named Actias artemis.