Molippa binasa
(Schaus, 1924) Dirphia

Molippa binasa male courtesy of Viktor Suter.

TAXONOMY: Superfamily: Bombycoidea, Latreille, 1802 Family: Saturniidae, Boisduval, [1837] 1834 Subfamily: Hemileucinae Genus: Molippa, Walker, 1855

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DISTRIBUTION:

The Molippa binasa moth (wingspan: males: 49-60mm; females: 60-65mm) flies in
northwestern Argentina: Tucuman, Jujuy (NV) and Catamarca and in
central and eastern Bolivia: Cochabamba; Chuquisaca; Santa Cruz.

Molippa binasa male, 56mm, Calilegua, Jujuy, Argentina,
November 16, 2009, 750m, courtesy of Nigel Venters.

This species is very similar to M. basina, but the male M. binasa has an abdomen that is entirely black dorsally except for the yellow anal tuft, and the postmedial band of the hindwing is usually tangent (or very close) to the discal spot. The anal margin also lacks black scaling.

FLIGHT TIMES AND PREFERRED FOOD PLANTS:

Specimens have been taken from November-February, suggesting two broods.

Molippa binasa female courtesy of Viktor Suter.

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 binasa midea male, Bolivia, courtesy of Eric van Schayck, id by Bill Oehlke.

Molippa binasa midea male, Bolivia,
courtesy of Eric van Schayck, id by Bill Oehlke.

EGGS, LARVAE, COCOONS AND PUPAE:

Larvae have urticating spines for protection against predators. Image courtesy of Leroy Simon.

Molippa binasa larva courtesy of Viktor Suter.

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.

Molippa binasa male courtesy of Eric van Schayck.

Molippa binasa female courtesy of Eric van Schayck.

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