DISTRIBUTION:

Copaxa anikae (wingspan: males: mm; females: 96mm // forewing length: males: ; females: 52mm) flies in
Peru: Cusco: Vallee Marcapata, Pont Amacho, 2004-10-17. Only a single specimen has been analysed; it was previously designated as a paratype of Copaxa bella.

Marcapata, capital of the Marcapata District in the Quispicanchi Province, Cusco Department, Peru, has an elevation of 3,150 m (10,335 ft). I could not find a specific reference for Pont Amacho. The elevation of the specific location is given as 2740m.

Possibly ?? DNA barcoding analysis is required to distinguish C. anikae from C. bella, but the female anikae has a crenulate forewing pm line that lies mostly in a straight line, while that of bella is in much more of an s-shape. The hyaline markings of anikae also tend to be somewhat smaller than in bella.

Visit Copaxa sapatoza Group Comparison Chart.

Copaxa anikae HT female (verso), 96mm, Valee Marcapata, Cusco, Peru,
October 17, 2004, 2740m, on my home computer only.

FLIGHT TIMES AND PREFERRED FOOD PLANTS:

Most of the Copaxa brood continuously so I suspect anikae would be on the wing every month of the year. Thus far, however, the only listing on Global Mirror is for October 17, 2004. At the higher elevation, the number of broods may be restricted.

Copaxa anikae larvae probably feed upon avocado (Persea americana).

ECLOSION, SCENTING AND MATING:

Male Copaxa anikae moths probably 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. I believe the males of this species are diurnal.

EGGS, LARVAE, COCOONS AND PUPAE:

The species name is honourific for Anika Meister, daughter of Frank Meister.

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 .......

Avocado

Use your browser "Back" button to return to the previous page.

Return to Copaxa Index

Goto South American Saturniidae Directory

Goto Main Saturniidae Index