DISTRIBUTION:

The Molippa superba superba moth (wingspan: males: 48-60mm; females: 68mm) flies in semi-arid areas of
northwestern Argentina: Tucuman; and in
Bolivia: Santa Cruz, at elevations up to 2000m.

FLIGHT TIMES AND PREFERRED FOOD PLANTS:

Moths have been taken in October-December. This is probably a univoltine species.

Molippa superba superba female courtesy of Viktor Suter via Bernhard Wenczel.

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.

Molippa superba superba larva 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.

Molippa superba superba courtesy of Bernhard Wenczel.

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