DISTRIBUTION:

The Oxytenis gigantea moth flies in
Ecuador: Tungurahua: Rio Topo, and probably in other locations.

It is also reported in Costa Rica: Alajuela, Cartago, Guanacaste, Heredia, San Jose.

It is usually taken between 100m and 1600m.

I suspect it also flies in Panama and Colombia.

Oxytenis naemia male (verso), March 21, 2007, Rio Topo, Tungurahua, Ecuador,
courtesy/copyright Horst Kach.

In some taxonomies, the Oxytenidae are treated as a distinct family rather than as a subfamily of Saturniidae.

FLIGHT TIMES AND PREFERRED FOOD PLANTS:

There are probably at least three generations of the Oxytenis gigantea moth annually with adults probably on the wing with peak flights in January-February-March, again in June, and then again in October-November. This moth probably broods continuously.

Larvae probably feed on Alibertia edulis, Randia armata and Posoqueria latifolia.

ECLOSION, SCENTING AND MATING:

Males use their antennae to seek out females which scent at night. Activity at lights, with both species being attracted, usually begins shortly before midnight and continues until 2:30 am.

EGGS, LARVAE, COCOONS, AND PUPAE:

In the early instars, larvae resemble some of the Papilio species with their white saddles on a dark background suggesting a bird dropping. Genetic analysis should prove very interesting when it is finally done. Sticky glands (characteristic of all Oxyteninae) at the tips of the setae are present in all instars and are clearly visible as little globes.

"Eyespots" on the fifth instar larvae, which exhibit both green and brown colour morphs, are suggestive of some of the Papilionidae, while the anal horn resembles the Sphingidae.

The laterally flared thoracic segments are unusual amongst the Saturniidae. Adult wing venation, larval behaviour and morphology are often sited as reasons for placing the Oxytenis species in their own family (Oxytenidae) distinct from the Saturniidae. The "eyespots" appear on the final instar whether it is the fifth or the sixth, as sometimes occurs.

Moths eclose from pupae in as few as ten days from pupation date.

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.

Alibertia edulis Randia armata Posoqueria latifolia.....

Trompillo / Purui pequeno Resuelesuele Guayabo de Mico

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