DISTRIBUTION:

Dirphia irradians (wingspan: males: 67-77mm; females; larger) flies in Bolivar, Venezuela.

FLIGHT TIMES AND PREFERRED FOOD PLANTS:

Moths are on the wing in June and December-January, suggesting at least two broods.

Larval hosts are unknown.

ECLOSION, SCENTING AND MATING:

Males use highly developed antennae to locate females at night by tracking her airbourne pheromone plume.

EGGS, LARVAE, COCOONS AND PUPAE:

Eggs are laid in large clusters and larvae feed gregariously. Typical of the Subfamily Hemileucinae, Dirphia species all have urticating spines.

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.

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