DISTRIBUTION:

Rachesa sumacensis (approximate wingspan: males: 80mm; females: 113mm // forewing length: males: 40-45mm; females: 60mm) flies in
Ecuador: Napo: P N Sumaco; at elevations near 1670-2170m. It appears to be a common species with males turning up at lights much more often than females.

This species is very similar to the slightly larger R. alegrensis from Amazonas in northern Peru. The Rachesa sumacensis male has a narrower, more pointed forewing apex, and a redder ground colour. The hindwing is completely red with a slightly darker cell, and the outer margin is convex in this species.

The female forewing is more reddish orange with very contrasting, dark lines, without any white tracing or pinkish suffusions in the postmedian area. The hindwing is an even pale orange with a diffuse, convex, reddish band.

Visit Rachesa species Comparison Table.

FLIGHT TIMES AND PREFERRED FOOD PLANTS:

Rachesa sumacensis are on the wing in March-April and August-September, suggesting at least two broods annually.

Larval hosts are unknown.

ECLOSION, SCENTING AND MATING:

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

Rachesa sumacensis AT female, Napo, Ecuador,
113mm, on my home computer only.

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 "sumacensis" is indicative of a specimen type location at P N Sumaco, Napo, Ecuador.