DISTRIBUTION:

Dirphia nicholasi (wingspan: males: 78-90mm; females: 95mm // Mfwl: 40-48mm; Ffwl: 50mm) flies in
Uruguay: Tacuarembo Department; at elevations of approximately ??m, in Pampas Savannah Biome.

This moth is very similar to Dirphia moderata, but examination of genitalia show consistent differences between moderata and nicholasi.

FLIGHT TIMES AND PREFERRED FOOD PLANTS:

Specimens have been taken in November. 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.

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 Nicholas Wagner, son of Pablo Wagner.

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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