DISTRIBUTION:

Copaxa chimaltenangensis (wingspan: males: 80mm; females: mm // forewing length: males: 44mm; females: ) flies in Guatemala: Chimaltenango Department: near Tecpan; at elevations near 2300m.

This species belongs to the Cydippe Group.

Visit Copaxa cydippe Group Comparison Chart.

I have very little information on the many recently (2012) species, described by Brechlin and Meister. Some of these recently described species may require DNA analysis to distinguish them from other, better known species.

Copaxa chimaltenangensis tends to be larger than C. cydippe, and chimaltenangensis has a corrugated forewing transverse line and an olive brown grown colour. Thus far this description is from a single male specimen.

FLIGHT TIMES AND PREFERRED FOOD PLANTS:

Copaxa chimaltenangensis larvae probably feed upon avocado (Persea americana).

Most of the Copaxa brood continuously so I suspect chimaltenangensis would be on the wing every month of the year. Confirmed reports are for a single specimen taken in June in Guatemala: Chimaltenango Department, near Tecpan.

ECLOSION, SCENTING AND MATING:

Male Copaxa chimaltenangensis moths use highly developed antennae to locate females by tracking the airbourne pheromone plume. The female releases this scent into the air via an organ extended from the tip of the abdomen.

EGGS, LARVAE, COCOONS AND PUPAE:

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.

Persea americana .......

Avocado

The species name, chimaltenangensis, is indicative of a specimen type locality in the Chimaltenango Department of Guatemala.

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