DISTRIBUTION:

Rachesa arianae (approximate wingspan: males: 80-90mm; females: probably larger // forewing length: males: 40-45mm; females: ??mm) flies in
Ecuador: Morona Santiago: Gualaceo; at elevations near 2240-2375m.

This species has a reddish ground colour with a brownish tint, especially in the median areea. The am line is dark, distinct, straight and inwardly lined with a thin pink suffusion. The pm line is also dark and relatively straight with a strong continuous pink line suffusion from the inner margin to the apex. The pink suffusion broadens and runs from the apex to the anal angle.

The hindwing is slightly lighter in colour with a visible diffuse, convex red band and a strong presence of reddish hairs along the entire inner margin.

Visit Rachesa species Comparison Table.

FLIGHT TIMES AND PREFERRED FOOD PLANTS:

Rachesa arianae are on the wing in January-February-March. There are possibly additional flight months.

Larval hosts are unknown.

ECLOSION, SCENTING AND MATING:

Female Rachesa arianae extend a scent gland from the posterior tip of the abdomen to call in the night flying males which become active, probably around 11:30 pm.

EGGS, LARVAE AND PUPAE:

Mature larvae descend tree trunks to pupate in underground chambers.

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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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.

I do not know the meaning or the reason for the genus name "Rachesa".

The species name "arianae" is honourific for Dr. Ariane Brechlin.