DISTRIBUTION:

The Antheraea frithi javanensis moth flies in Java and into southwestern China (Tibet and Yunnan).

There is some current (summer 2008) confusion regarding Antheraea caypta and an Antheraea frithi subspecies from southern China. The Leroy Simon images on this page are believed to be of Antheraea frithi javanensis. Bill Oehlke.

I received many beautiful images of moths sent as A. caypta from southern China, but Stefan Naumann and I think they are more likely an Antheraea frithi subspecies. Perhaps someday when identification tools are more precise, and type specimens are clearly determined, DNA analysis will clarify some issues. There may be many species placed in synonymity; there may be many new species determined. Below are links to the many beautiful images sent summer of 2008 as A. caypta.

Visit Antheraea frithi subspecies, China, male and female, courtesy of Dave Rolfe.

Visit Antheraea frithi subspecies, China, males, courtesy of Anthony Darby.

Antheraea frithi javanensis ??, male, China, courtesy of Leroy Simon.

FLIGHT TIMES AND PREFERRED FOOD PLANTS:

Antheraea frithi javanensis ??, female (yellow), China, courtesy of Leroy Simon.

Antheraea frithi javanensis ??, female (gold), China, courtesy of Leroy Simon.

Antheraea frithi javanensis ??, female (tan), China, courtesy of Leroy Simon.

ECLOSION, SCENTING AND MATING:

Females extend a scent gland from the tip of their abdomens to "call" the males. Males use their antennae to hone in on the airbourne pheromone.

OVA, LARVAE, COCOONS AND PUPAE: