DISTRIBUTION:

Molippa azuelensis (wingspan: males: 83-88mm; females: 85mm) flies in
eastern Ecuador: Napo (road from Baeza to Lumbaqui) and southeast to at least Guango, at moderate elevation (1500-2600m).

This large species has a small brown discal spot in the male. The lower half of the basal area is dark brown.

Molippa azuelensis male, Guango, Napo, Ecuador,
October 19, 2009, 2600m, courtesy of Horst Kach.

Molippa azuelensis male (verso), Guango, Napo, Ecuador,
October 19, 2009, 2600m, courtesy of Horst Kach.

FLIGHT TIMES AND PREFERRED FOOD PLANTS:

Specimens have been taken in October-November and February, suggesting at least two flights each year.

Larvae and their hosts are unknown.

Molippa azuelensis female, Puente Azuela, Napo, Ecuador,
February 6, 1975, 1530m, Claude Lemaire, on my home computer only,
digital copy of left side to right, Bill Oehlke.

ECLOSION, SCENTING AND MATING:

Females extend a scent gland from the tip of their abdomens to "call" the males. Males use their antennae to hone in on the airbourne pheromone.

EGGS, LARVAE, COCOONS AND PUPAE:

Eggs are probably deposited in clusters and larvae feed gregariously. Typical of Hemileucini species, larvae have urticating spines.

Larval Food Plants

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.

Use your browser "Back" button to return to the previous page.

Return to Molippa Genus

Return to South American Saturniidae Direcotry

Return to Main WLSS Index

Support this website and visit other insect sites by clicking flashing butterfly links to left or right.

Molippa azuelensis male, 5.5 km south of Cosanga, Napo, Ecuador,
November 26, 1978, 2150m, Claude Lemaire, on my home computer only,
digital copy of left side to right, Bill Oehlke.