DISTRIBUTION:

Rachesa breteuili (wingspan: males: 63-105mm; females: 102-115mm) flies in
Ecuador: Pichincha, Esmeraldas (HK), Imbabura (AK), Napo, Loja (LR), Pastaza (LR), Zamora Chinchipe and probably Sucumbios. Horst Kach confirms it from Lita, Esmeraldas;
Colombia: Valle and probably Nariono; and
northern Peru: San Martin; at elevations between 1500 and 2200m.

The male forewing is triangular, and the postmedian line is brown and tends to converge with the antemedian line.

Rachesa bretueili male, Los Cedros, Imbabura, Ecuador,
courtesy of Andreas Kay, tentative id by Bill Oehlke

I suspect, but am not sure, that Rachesa breteuili is probably limited to the western slopes of the Andes in Colombia and northwestern Ecuador. Locations cited above for eastern Ecuador and Peru probably are indicative of similar, recently described species.

Visit Rachesa species Comparison Table.

Rachesa breteuili male, courtesy of Hubert Mayer copyright.

Rachesa breteuili male, courtesy of Hubert Mayer copyright.

FLIGHT TIMES AND PREFERRED FOOD PLANTS:

Rachesa breteuili moths are on the wing in January-February, April-May-June and October, suggesting at least two broods (possibly three or more) annually.

Larval hosts are unknown.

ECLOSION, SCENTING AND MATING:

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

Rachesa breteuili female, Claude Lemaire

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 "breteuili" is honourific for Breteuil.

Rachesa breteuili male, 92mm, Pichincha, Ecuador,
on my home computer only.

Rachesa breteuili