DISTRIBUTION:

Dirphia arianae (wingspan: males: 69mm; females: 85mm // Mfwl: 38-40mm; Ffwl: 45-48mm) flies in
Ecuador: Morona Santiago; at elevations of approximately 2160-2240m.

It appears this moth is the largest of the east Ecuadorian species in the horca group. The pm line is relatively close to the outer margin, creating a smaller pm area. The ground colur is a very dark brown to almost black. The upper section of the forewing fork has an orangey striga while the lower sections are relatively slender.

FLIGHT TIMES AND PREFERRED FOOD PLANTS:

Specimens have been taken in March and November, suggesting at least two annual broods. There are probably additional flight months.

ECLOSION, SCENTING AND MATING:

Males use highly developed antennae to locate females at night by tracking their airbourne pheromone plumes.

Dirphia arianae AT female, Morona Santiago, Ecuador,
85mm, November 21, 2011, 2160m, on my home computer only.

EGGS, LARVAE, COCOONS AND PUPAE:

White eggs with a black micropyle are laid in large clusters and larvae feed gregariously.

Typical of the Subfamily Hemileucinae, Dirphia species all have urticating spines.

The species name is honourific for Dr. Arian Brechlin, sister of Ron Brechlin.

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.

Cedrela odorata Crataegus oxyacantha...... Fagus sylvatica Hymenaea courbaril Malus Prunus Quercus ilex Salix

West Indian Cedar English hawthorn European Beech West Indian Locust Apple Cherry/Plum Holly/Holm oak Willow

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