DISTRIBUTION:

The Molippa basina moth (wingspan: males: 55-68mm; females: 60-76mm) flies in
northern coastal Venezuela: Federal District, Aragua.

It is smaller than M. nibasa and M. simillima, and the hindwing discal spot of M. basina is usually quite prominent.

Note the turquoise-blue colouration of larva. Also note the yellow-brown head.

Molippa basina male, Venezuela,
courtesy of Eric van Schayck.

FLIGHT TIMES AND PREFERRED FOOD PLANTS:

Flight times vary from year to year. Specimens have been taken from July-September, suggesting two broods.

Larvae have been reared in captivity on Salix.

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.

Molippa basina female, Venezuela,
courtesy of Eric van Schayck.

EGGS, LARVAE COCOONS AND PUPAE: Eggs are deposited in clusters and larvae feed gregariously. Typical of Hemileucini species, larvae have urticating spines. Image (larva on privet) courtesy of Viktor Suter via Bernhard Wenczel.

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.

Ligustrum Salix caprea.......

Privet Goat Willow

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Molippa basina male, Colonia Tovar, Aragua, Venezuela,
August 20, 1995, 1700m, on my home computer only.

Molippa basina female, Colonia Tovar, Aragua, Venezuela,
August 20, 1995, 1700m, on my home computer only.