DISTRIBUTION:

Rothschildia chrisbrechlinae (wingspan: males: 80mm; females: 112mm // forewing length: males: 44-45mm; females: 59-63mm) is a rare species only found at very high altitude (7000' and up [2510m]) in the mountains of
Peru: Pasco; Oxapampa; and possibly Ucayali. Nearly the entire hind wing of the males is covered by the large hyaline spot.

I notice in both the male and female of this recently described species that the black apical mark is almost completely surrounded in maroon, whereas in the very similar species, R. zacateca the outer edge of the black spot is not so enclosed.

FLIGHT TIMES AND PREFERRED FOOD PLANTS:

Specimens have been taken in June.

In the wild the larvae feed on Symplocos alstonia (Styracaceae) and in the lab they have accepted Prunus serotina and P. salicifolia. However, in the lab there is very high mortality and many mature larvae fail to molt to the pupal stage once the cocoon has been constructed.

Resulting adults from lab reared material on Prunus have also been rather thinly scaled and not as colorful as wild specimens. Whether this is due to the substitute hostplant or not being raised at high altitude remains to be seen.

The previous two paragraphs may only apply to R. zacateca, as I originally thought the chrisbrechlinae images on this page were zacateca.

Bernhard Wenczel writes, "Few days ago (late January 2007) emerged a nice male of Rothschildia chrisbrechlinae. Its larva was fed with privet. After several attempts, I succeeded in overwintering the cocoons. Previously we had reared them to cocoon stage, but then they died before eclosing. We suppose they did not resist the warmth over 20°C. I've kept them since November, well controlled on wet moss, at a temperature around 15 - 18°C and now have had success."

Rothschildia chrisbrechlinae male, courtesy of Viktor Suter

Rothschildia chrisbrechlinae female, courtesy of Viktor Suter

ECLOSION, SCENTING AND MATING:

Females attract the smaller, day-flying males with an airbourne pheromone.

The wings of the males are more angled than those of the female.

Rothschildia chrisbrechlinae female by Jose Bottger (Peru), courtesy of Dan Zieher.

EGGS, LARVAE, COCOONS AND PUPAE:

Chunky larvae consume large amounts of foliage in final instar.

Rothschildia chrisbrechlinae fifth instar, Oxapampa, Pasco, Peru,
2510m, courtesy of Viktor Suter.

Rothschildia chrisbrechlinae cocoon courtesy of Jose 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.

Privet Prunus serotina ? Symplocos alstonia ....... ?

Privet (BW) Wild/Black cherry Sweetleaf

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For additional images, go to Hubert Mayer image

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 chrisbrechlinae is honourific for Dr. Christine Brechlin, mother of Ron Brechlin.