DISTRIBUTION:

The Pseudodirphia niceros moth (wingspan: males: 70-78mm; females: 83mm) flies in Peru: Amazonas, San Martin, Cusco, Pasco (HM), probably Huanuco and Junin.

Specimens have been taken at elevations from 1200m to 2500m.

Pseudodirphia niceros male, courtesy of Bernhard Wenczel.

The thorax is dark brown. The abdomen is orange, ringed with black.

Ground colour is a uniform very dark brown. The am line is white, angulate and interrupted. The post median line is convex, very thin and interrupted. There are white enlargements between veins rather than on veins which are slightly darker than ground colour.

The prominent white hindwing median band, interrupted by the veins, distinguishes this species.

It has been taken at elevations from 1200m to 2500m.

Rhodirphia niceros male, Oxapampa, Pasco, Peru,
2000m, July 2004, courtesy of Hubert Mayer.

FLIGHT TIMES AND PREFERRED FOOD PLANTS:

This moth hasben taken in January-February and November, suggesting at least two broods. Hubert Mayer confirms them on the wing in July.

Natural larval hosts are unknown, but Robinia is a likely choice and has been used with success by Kirby Wolfe for other species in this genus.

Pseudodirphia niceros (male), Peru, courtesy of Eric van Schayck.

ECLOSION, SCENTING AND MATING:

EGGS, LARVAE, COCOONS AND PUPAE:

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

Robinia .......

Locust

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The pronunciation of scientific names is troublesome for many. The "suggestion" at the top of the page is merely a suggestion. It is based on commonly accepted English pronunciation of Greek names and/or some fairly well accepted "rules" for latinized scientific names.

The suggested pronunciations, on this page and on other pages, are primarily put forward to assist those who hear with internal ears as they read.

There are many collectors from different countries whose intonations and accents would be different.

Pseudodirphia was chosen as the genus name as these moths are very similar to those in the Dirphia genus.

The species name, niceros, probably refers to the Petronius' The Satyricon where there is a segment sometimes called "Niceros' Story". Niceros is going to woo the beautiful Melissa when he meets a soldier on the road. The soldier suddenly turns into a wolf that attacks Melissa's stock and is stabbed in the throat. Niceros sees the soldier again, gravely injured in the throat.

Perhaps the hairyness or ragged fringe suggested a wolf or werewolf to Dognin; perhaps there is no connection.