DISTRIBUTION: Syssphinx bidentalis
(wingspan: males: 76mm; females: mm // forewing length: males: 36-38mm; females: probably larger) flies in
Peru: Amazonas, Huanuco, Pasco, Junin, 1100-2000m.
FLIGHT TIMES AND PREFERRED FOOD PLANTS: Moths are on the wing in July, September-October and December and probably in other months.
Anticipated natural hosts are Acacia, Mimosa and Leucaena.
Syssphinx bidentalis AT female, Hermilo Valizan, Huanuco, Peru,
September 18, 2003, 1170m, on my home computer only.
ECLOSION, SCENTING AND MATING:These moths come in to lights so it is expected that scenting and mating also take place after dark.
EGGS, LARVAE AND PUPAE:Eggs are probably green and translucent and are probably deposited in short rows of four to eight on
foliage or stems. Caterpillar development can be seen through the eggshell. Larvae are gregarious in early instars and have enlarged
thoracic scoli with metalic markings that reflect light on the abdominal scoli.
It is hoped that this alphabetical listing followed by the common name of the anticipated foodplant will prove useful.
The list is not exhaustive. Experimenting with closely related foodplants is worthwhile.
Acacia angustissima........
Acacia baileyana
Leucanaea pulverulenta
Robinia pseudoacacia
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Prairie acacia
Bailey's acacia
Giant leadtree
Black locust/false acacia
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Return to Main Saturniidae Index
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 "bidentalis" is indicative of a great similarity with S. bidens.
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