DISTRIBUTION:

This species is somewhat similar to C. guayaquila, but C. maureillei has much more dark blue-gray scaling on the upper surface of the hindwing.

FLIGHT TIMES AND PREFERRED FOOD PLANTS:

Specimens have been taken in October-February, suggesting two broods.

Larvae have been lab reared on Malosma laurina, Schinus molle, Liquidambar and on Salix capraea.

Citheronia maureillei female copyright Kirby Wolfe

ECLOSION, SCENTING AND MATING:

Moths eclose from subterranean pupae.

Females probably call in the males with an airbourne pheromone and most activity probably occurs in the early morning hours from 1:00 to 3:00 am.

Females coming in to lights, usually arrive by 10:00 pm.

Citheronia maureillei life cycle copyright Kirby Wolfe

EGGS, LARVAE AND PUPAE:

Pupation is underground in a small cell.

Citheronia maureillei larva copyright Kirby Wolfe

Larval Food Plants

Listed below are primary food plant(s) and alternate food plants listed in Stephen E. Stone's Foodplants of World Saturniidae. 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.

Return to Citheronia Index

Return to Main 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 source of the genus name "Citheronia" is probably Mount Citheron (Greek mythology), an untamed wilderness, exempt from the laws of civilization. The goddesses go naked there and are free from any of the pressures of society.

The species name "maureillei" is honourific for Maureille.