DISTRIBUTION:

Rothschildia amoena flies in western Peru: Lima, at elevations of 2000-3000m.

This species looks much like R. jorulloides, but amoena is larger and less slender. The hyaline spots are smaller and do not touch the postmedial lines.

Rothschildia amoena male, western Peru,
courtesy of Viktor Suter.

FLIGHT TIMES AND PREFERRED FOOD PLANTS:

This species will probably accept Ligustrum (privet), lilac, ailanthus and oak.

ECLOSION, SCENTING AND MATING:

Like most of the Rothschildia, except for the diurnal zacateca, this species calls and pairs at night.

Rothschildia amoena female, courtesy of Bernhard Wenczel.

Rothschildia amoena male, courtesy of Jeff Bottger.

Rothschildia amoena female, western Peru,
courtesy of Viktor Suter.

EGGS, LARVAE, COCOONS, AND PUPAE:

It is interesting to watch Rothschildia fashion their cocoons. A strong peduncle with a few support silk strands secures the structure while the larva continues "padding its nest" with a continuous back-and-forth movement of the head.

There are both inner and outer cocoons, each with a relatively long valve to facilitate eclosions.

Rothschildia amoena first instar courtesy of J. Bottger.

Rothschildia amoena fourth instar courtesy of J. Bottger.

Rothschildia amoena fifth instar courtesy of J. Bottger.

Rothschildia amoena cocoon courtesy of J. Bottger.

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.

Ailanthus altissima..... Ligustrum Quercus Syringa vulgaris

Ailanthus Privet Oak Common lilac

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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.

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

"Rothschildia" is chosen to honour one of the Rothschilds, possibly William.

The species name, amoena, means enjoyable or delightful.