Copaxa denhezi
Lemaire, 1971

Copaxa denhezi male copyright Kirby Wolfe

TAXONOMY: Superfamily: Bombycoidea, Latreille, 1802 Family: Saturniidae, Boisduval, [1837] 1834 Subfamily: Saturniinae, Boisduval, [1837] 1834 Tribe: Saturniini, Boisduval, 1837 Genus: Copaxa, Walker, 1855

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DISTRIBUTION:

The Copaxa denhezi moth flies in
western Colombia: Valle del Cauca at elevations of 1000m.

There are multiple discal spots on all wings, with the number of spots varying from individual to indvidual. Examination of genitalia is required to distinguish this species from Copaxa multifenestrata multifenestrata.

FLIGHT TIMES AND PREFERRED FOOD PLANTS:

Copaxa denhezi larvae feed upon Persea americana.

Most of the Copaxa brood continuously so I suspect denhezi would be on the wing every month of the year, but the higher altitiudes and cooler temperatures in Colombia may limit annual generations to one or two. The holotype was taken in early August.

Copaxa denhezi female copyright Kirby Wolfe

ECLOSION, SCENTING AND MATING:

Male Copaxa denhezi 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 denhezi larva copyright Kirby Wolfe

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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