DISTRIBUTION:

The Syssphinx ocellata moth (wingspan: males:76-88mm; females: 100-101mm) flies in the South Andean region of
Peru: Cuzco and Puno, and in
Bolivia: La Paz, in low to medium elevation Andean forests (1000 - 2000 m).

Luigi Racheli reports a species from Napo Province, Ecuador, that is very close to S. ocellata.

Several very similar, recently described species fly either sympatric with ocellata or very close by: S. parocellata (Chuquisaca); S. lapazcellata (La Paz); S. misionescellata (Misiones, Argentina).

FLIGHT TIMES AND PREFERRED FOOD PLANTS:

Syssphinx ocellata moths are on the wing in September and December, suggesting two broods.

Larvae feed on ?

ECLOSION, SCENTING AND MATING:

Female Syssphinx ocellata moths "call" the males at night with an airbourne chemical attractant (pheromone). The males fly into the wind in a zigzag pattern, pick up the scent with their antennae and locate and mate with the female. She begins her ovipositing flights the following evening.

EGGS, LARVAE AND PUPAE:

Green translucent eggs are deposited on host plant foliage or stems. The young caterpillars are particularly well-adorned with elongated thoracic scoli which project over the head. Growth on woody, leguminous trees is rapid before mature larvae descend the tree trunks to pupate in excavated subterranean 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.

The genus name "Syssphinx" was probably chosen for the similarity of these moths (wing shape and resting position) to moths in the Sphingidae family.

The species name "ocellata" may refer to the spotting on the wings or the white cell marking.