DISTRIBUTION:

The Molippa species (wingspan: males: 88mm; females: 90mm) depicted at the top of the page, flies in
Panama: Chiriqui: Santa Clara (AT).

Albert Thurman sent the images to me with a tentative id as Molippa simillima. Based on comments regarding simillima's true range in Lemaire's Hemileucinae 2002 and the very produced forewing apex of the male, I think this is neither simillima, nor the more likely Molippa nibasa. Unfortunately the specimens, male and female, are badly worn.

DNA barcoding identified a new Molippa, M. flavotegana in Jinotega, Nicaragua, in 2013, and possibly that is what Albert has sent, but again the ESs image of Molippa flavotegana do not show the markedly produced forewing apices noted in the male top of this page, and flavotegana seems smaller as does nibasa.

Other opinions would be appreciated. Bill Oehlke

FLIGHT TIMES AND PREFERRED FOOD PLANTS:

In Panama, specimens have been taken in August.

Molippa nibasa/unknown female, Santa Clara, Chiriqui, Panama,
90mm, 4900 ft, August 11, 2007, courtesy of Albert Thurman.

Molippa nibasa/unknown female (verso), Santa Clara, Chiriqui, Panama,
90mm, 4900 ft, August 11, 2007, courtesy of Albert Thurman.

Females of Molippa species are often very difficult to distinguish one species from another.

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:

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.

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