DISTRIBUTION:

The Copaxa lunula moth (forewing length: males: 38-40mm; females: 43-46mm) flies in Bolivia: Cochabamba, La Paz, possibly Chuquisaca; on the eastern slopes of the Andes at elevations of 2700 - 3050m.

The species is "named for the translucent lunate discal spots on all four wings."

There is, in the male, an all greyish-black form. The forewing is falcate, and the apex is narrowly rounded. Background colour ranges from orange, to dark brown or grey.

The hindwing tends to be lighter than the forewing with a dark median area. The yellow outline surrounding the lunate discal cell is quite evident in the hindwing, but vestigial at best in the forewing.

Females are larger, with fuller, rounder wings, and without the produced apex of the males.

Visit Copaxa sapatoza Group Comparison Chart.

FLIGHT TIMES AND PREFERRED FOOD PLANTS:

Specimens have been taken in November and December.

Copaxa lunula larvae feed upon Avacado (Persea americana) in the lab.

Many of the Copaxa brood continuously, but larval development time may restrict this species to a single brood annually, November-December.

ECLOSION, SCENTING AND MATING:

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

Copaxa lunula female, copyright Kirby Wolfe

EGGS, LARVAE, COCOONS AND PUPAE:

Copaxa lunula larva copyright Kirby Wolfe

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.

Persea americana.....

Avocado

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Copaxa lunula male, publication image