DISTRIBUTION:

The Copaxa andensis (wingspan: males: 88-110mm; females: 100-115mm) flies in Colombia: Antioquia and Valle de Cauca, probably Cauca and Nariono;
Ecuador: Pichincha.

DNA barcoding results have shown those specimens from Peru and Bolivia to be closely related but distinct species:
Peru: Amazonas and elsewhere and
Bolivia: LaPaz; Cochabamba and elswehere; at elevations of 1400-2200m.

There are many discal spots on the forewing, but only a single spot on the hindwing.

Copaxa andensis female, San Isidro, Cosanga, Napo, Ecuador,
March 1, 2011, 2000m, courtesy of Roger Ahlman,
tentative id by Bill Oehlke, might be something new,
note pointed apices and large internal hyaline spot.

FLIGHT TIMES AND PREFERRED FOOD PLANTS:

Copaxa andensis larvae feed upon avocado (Persea americana).

Most of the Copaxa brood continuously so I suspect andensis would be on the wing every month of the year.

ECLOSION, SCENTING AND MATING:

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

EGGS, LARVAE, COCOONS AND PUPAE:

Copaxa andensis?? larva copyright Kirby Wolfe

Copaxa andensis?? larva copyright Bernhard Wenczel

Visit Copaxa andensis?? fourth and fifth instar larvae, Ecuador, courtesy of Leroy Simon.

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.

Persea americana.....

Avocado

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