DISTRIBUTION:

Citheronula armata armata (wingspan: males: 57-70mm; females: 78mm) flies in semi-arid regions of
Paraguay UD: Boqueron, Presidente Hayes, Concepcion, San Pedro (PS), and probably Cordillera and Central, based on report in Sapucay (Paraguari Department CL);
central ?Brazil?: Federal District, Goias, Mato Grosso, Minas Gerais, Parana, Sao Paulo; and in
eastern Bolivia: Santa Cruz; Chuquisaca (GL).

This species had been previously classified with Citheronia and Citheronula is sometimes treated as a subgenus.

There are multiple rows (three) of internervular spots.

This subspecies sonyae is larger than the nominate subspecies armata (this page) and is characterized by "narrower and less contrasting dull orange veins."

Ryan Saint Laurent observes, "According to Lemaire, "sonyae" has slate grey fringes while the nominate [species] has uniformly orange fringes. I also note that nearly all the greyer individuals of armata (including the ones on WLSS) have a discal spot on the hindwing fused with the red/orange of the base of the HW.

"In yellow fringed nominate armata the discal spot is nearly always separate from the base. Compare the pair I've sent with the male and pair on WLSS (I'll admit that the red spot of the HW is less so connected to the base than in other sonyae-like individuals) but the overall greyness of the two on WLSS is very clearly different from the individuals I have sent. I also sent a larger image of the female.

"Overall, it seems as though sonyae may not be a subspecies, but rather a form of armata, at least in my opinion. Also, the "sonyae" male in Lemaire has the fused discal spot as well, while the nominate has a free spot."

The populations in Bolivia and Paraguay seem somewhat in question, with the Paraguayan specimens from Sapucay, Paraguari, Paraguay, represented by the holotype of nominate armata. Many of the other specimens from Bolivia and other areas in Paraguay seem intermediate between subspecies sonyae and the nominate subspecies, armata.

Ryan Saint Laurent had previously sent me images from Parana, Brazil, that seem a best match for the recently (2014) described Citheronula maranhensis from Maranhao, but they are so far removed geographically, that they might represent an undescribed species or subspecies. The colouration and patterning are very good matches for maranhensis, and possibly for nominate armata.

FLIGHT TIMES AND PREFERRED FOOD PLANTS:

Moths are on the wing in October-November. Citheronula armata armata larvae feed on Cashew nut (Anacardium occidentale) and Jatropha.

ECLOSION, SCENTING AND MATING:

Female Citheronula armata armata moths extend a scent gland from the posterior tip of the abdomen to call in the night flying males which become active around 11:30 pm.

Paul Smith sends this series of images of Citheronula armata from Laguna Blanca, San Pedro, Paraguay. The moth was taken in cerrado habitat on October 19, 2008. October in the southern hemisphere corresponds to April in the northern hemisphere.

Paul shows the male in typical resting pose. There are many lines and spots on relatively small wings. Wingspan of the males usually ranges between two and three inches.

It is great to get images of the undersides of the moth. Sometimes there are diagnostic characters on ventral surfaces. All data is helpful: location, habitat, date, altitude, wingspan, even arrival time at the collecting location. The flight clock time of the males is often an indication of the calling time of the females. Sometimes similar species have different flight times.

EGGS, LARVAE AND PUPAE:

Mature larvae descend tree trunks to pupate in underground chambers.

The following images were sent to me by Kirby Wolfe as Citheronula armata, without a subspecific designation. I now believe they are of Citheronia armata sonyae (originally placed on armata armata file), but note the following regarding the image of the male moth.
A) The forewing fringes are grey as would be expected in sonyae and not armata.
B) The hindwing fringes are yellowish-white with some bleeding of orange as would be expected in armata and not sonyae.
C) Other features such as reduced yellow on forewings, thinner orange wing veins, shape and position of hindwing cell and larger dark post median area of hindwing are all suggestive of sonyae.

I think the moth and larvae are more likely Citheronula armata sonyae and will post same on the sonyae file with these notes. It is also possible there is a third Citheronula species/subspecies that is depicted but not yet officially described. (Bill Oehlke)

If sonyae and armata are found to be sympatric in some areas, then sonyae would have to be elevated to full species status.

Citheronula armata armata/sonyae fourth instar on Jatropha courtesy of Kirby Wolfe.

Citheronula armata armata/sonyae fifth instar on Jatropha courtesy of Kirby Wolfe.

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.

Anacardium occidentale ....... Jatropha (KW)

Cashew Nut/Maranon Physic Nut (KW)

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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 source of the genus name "Citheronula" is probably Mount Citheron (Greek mythology), an untamed wilderness, exempt from the laws of civilization. The goddesses go naked there and are free from any of the pressures of society.

The species name "armata" might ?? refer to the 'spiny' appearance of the light areas on the wings or may refer to a structure on the genitalia.