DISTRIBUTION: Bunaea aslauga flies only in Madagascar. Bunaea auslaga seems to be limited to the southern two-thirds of Madagascar. Bunaea vulpes is also reported from Madagascar. I do not have an image of vulpes, and I do not know if it is still considered a valid species. The three specimens on this page (below) with very broad, white, post median lines and additional suffusions of white in the median area seem to be an unnamed species as of May 2012. Bunaea aslauga female, Madasgascar, courtesy of Robert Vuattoux.

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FLIGHT TIMES AND PREFERRED FOOD PLANTS:

Bunaea aslauga adults emerge in the spring, often after a warm rain. Brain Fletcher reports a late October flight in 2006.

Bunaea aslauga female, Madagascar: Ambatofinandrahana,
courtesy of Mike Jordan.

Bunaea aslauga male, Ranaomafana Reserve, Madagascar,
October 30, 2006, courtesy of Brian Fletcher.

ECLOSION, SCENTING AND MATING:

This species emerges at dusk and females attract the night flying males with an airbourne pheromone.

The pair remains coupled for a relatively short time. Females have thinner and blacker antennae and their abdomens are much broader and forewings are more rounded than in males.

Bunaea aslauga?? (male), Madagascar, courtesy of Eric van Schayck.

Bunaea aslauga?? (female), Madagascar, courtesy of Eric van Schayck.

EGGS, LARVAE, COCOONS, AND PUPAE:

Rough, black pupae are formed deep (10-15 cm) underground. Under artificial conditions pupae will emerge after being kept moist following immersion in tepid water.

Fith instar larvae courtesy of Rodolphe Rogerie. Privet serves as food plant.

Bunaea aslauga fifth instar, Ambatofinandrahana, Centre, Madagascar,
courtesy of Patrick Basquin.

Bunaea aslauga female, Ambatofinandrahana, Centre, Madagascar,
courtesy of Patrick Basquin.

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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Bunaea aslauga?? male, Mantasoa, Madagascar, December 31, 2008