DISTRIBUTION:

Copaxa carolinae (wingspan: males: 70mm; females: mm // forewing length: males: mm; females: 52-54mm) flies in
Ecuador: Napo: Cosanga;
Ecuador: Morona Santiago; at elevations of 2150-2200m.

The forewing crescents of the female are thick and relatively stout (short), and markedly indented on their outward facing sides.

Visit Copaxa sapatoza Group Comparison Chart.

FLIGHT TIMES AND PREFERRED FOOD PLANTS:

Copaxa carolinae larvae probably feed upon avocado (Persea americana). They have been reared in captivity on Shanchi (Coriaria thymifolia) and Avocado (Perse americana).

Most of the Copaxa brood continuously so I suspect simoni would be on the wing every month of the year, but so far (2011) specimens have only been taken in April.

ECLOSION, SCENTING AND MATING:

Male Copaxa carolinae moths 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.

Copaxa carolinae female, Cosanga, Napo, Ecuador,
April 27, 2008, 2200m, courtesy of Horst Kach, digital repair and id by Bill Oehlke.

Copaxa carolinae female, Cosanga, Napo, Ecuador,
April 27, 2008, 2200m, courtesy of Horst Kach, digital repair and id by Bill Oehlke.

EGGS, LARVAE, COCOONS AND PUPAE:

Horst Kach writes, "Copaxa carolinae is very very rare here (Ecuador: Napo: Cosanga). This was my first time in many trips to the same place at the eastern side and it`s the first time / year I got a female from this rare specimen in April. Just 3 weeks ago a friend of mine caught a second female (middle of September) from the same place, but unfortunately we have only 6 eggs this time. They have not hatched yet, but I hope to have more luck this time. In my first attempt at rearing, the caterpilars died one by one in fourth instar after changing them from the first hostplant to Avocado. I had them first in perfect condition, raising on a natural host from high altitude. The name of that plant is Shanshi (Coriaria thymifolia) and that plant works very best also for other Copaxas from altitude like Copaxa orientalis."

The berries of this plant are hallucinogenis and toxic, and are not appropriate for human consumption.

Copaxa carolinae eggs, Cosanga, Napo, Ecuador,
April 27, 2008, courtesy of Horst Kach.

Copaxa carolinae first instars on shanshi, Cosanga, Napo, Ecuador,
May 22, 2008, 2200m, courtesy of Horst Kach.

Copaxa carolinae second instars on shanshi, Cosanga, Napo, Ecuador,
June 1, 2008, 2200m, courtesy of Horst Kach.

Copaxa carolinae third instar (fresh moult) on shanshi, Cosanga, Napo, Ecuador,
June 15, 2008, 2200m, courtesy of Horst Kach.

Copaxa carolinae third instar on shanshi, Cosanga, Napo, Ecuador,
June 15, 2008, 2200m, courtesy of Horst Kach.

Copaxa carolinae fourth instar on shanshi, Cosanga, Napo, Ecuador,
June 25, 2008, 2200m, courtesy of Horst Kach.

This species probably requires cool conditions for successful rearing of larvae.

Visit Copaxa carolinae mature larvae, Cosanga, Napo, Ecuador, courtesy of Horst Kach.

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.

Coriaria thymifolia Persea americana ??..??

Shanchi Avocado

The species name is honourific for Caroline Kaech, sister of Horst Kaech.

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