DISTRIBUTION:

Molippa wenczeli (wingspan: males: 85mm; females: 93-96mm // forewing length: males: 44mm; females: 48-52mm) flies in southern
Peru: Cusco: Quillabamba: Alfamayo, at elevations of 2600m, and in Carrizales at 3200m.

I notice this moth is remarkably similar to M. kohlli which was described from nearby Pasco department, Peru, in March of 2008 by Luigi Racheli.

Bernhard Wenczel writes, "This is the same species Luigi (Racheli) has described as Molippa kohlli. Luigi and Frank (Meister), both of them, bought the specimens from the same location and the same rearing at the same time. So the larva picture (M. simillima from Carcel Punko) matches for both. One of these two names is a synonym of the other – the quicker is the faster."

Since M. kohlli was named and described approximately one month before M. wenczeli, M. kohlli has priority.

Brechlin and Meister recognize M. wenczeli is a junior synonym of Molippa kohlli.

Visit Molippa kohlli for additional pictures and information.

Visit Peru: Molippa Chart.

FLIGHT TIMES AND PREFERRED FOOD PLANTS:

This species has been taken in March-April and there may only be a single brood at the noted elevations.

Larvae will probably feed on willows and cherries: Salix caprea, Salix helvetica, Prunus.

Molippa wenczeli female, 96mm, April 10, 2004, Carrizales, Cusco, Peru, 3200m,
from Entomo-Satsphingia 1 (1): 21 – 26 (April 2008),
courtesy of Ron Brechlin.

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. The species name is honourific for Bernhard Wenzcel.

Larval Food Plants

It is hoped that this alphabetical listing followed by the anticipated name of the foodplant will prove useful. The list is not exhaustive. Experimenting with closely related foodplants is worthwhile.

Prunus Salix caprea Salix helvetica .......

Prune Goat Willow/Pussy Willow Swiss Willow

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Molippa wenczeli male, 85mm, Quillabamba, Cusco, Peru,
March 2005, 2600m, on my home computer only.

Molippa wenczeli AT female, 93mm, Carrizales, Cusco, Peru,
April 10, 2004, 3200m, on my home computer only.

Molippa 2008