I had originally determined the moth from Honduras as Copaxa cydippe, but based on its strong red-brown colouration with heavy dark grey suffusions, and diminished white suffusions compared to other images of cydippe, I think it is more likely the recently described (2012) C. purulhensis whose specimen type is from Baja Verapaz, Guatemala. It could just be a darker than usual cydippe. (Bill Oehlke) I now think it is the more recently (2014) described C. cydiphondurensis.

This site has been created by Bill Oehlke at oehlkew@islandtelecom.com
Comments, suggestions and/or additional information are welcomed by Bill.

TAXONOMY: Superfamily: Bombycoidea, Latreille, 1802 Family: Saturniidae, Boisduval, [1837] 1834 Subfamily: Saturniinae, Boisduval, [1837] 1834 Tribe: Saturniini, Boisduval, 1837 Genus: Copaxa, Walker, 1855

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DISTRIBUTION:

Copaxa purulhensis (wingspan: males: 75mm; females: mm // forewing length: males: 38mm; females: ) flies in
Guatemala: Baja Verapaz: near Purulhá, at elevations near 1660m; and
possibly in Honduras: Cortes.

Copaxa purulhensis is placed in the Cydippe Group.

Copaxa purulhensis, thus far known and described from a single male, has an orangey-red ground colour with heavy and extensive dark grey suffusions. The forewing apex is quite produced and pointed. There seems to be less white along the costa and outside the transverse line when compared to cydippe.

Visit Copaxa cydippe Group Comparison Chart.

FLIGHT TIMES AND PREFERRED FOOD PLANTS:

Copaxa purulhensis larvae will probably feed upon avocado (Persea americana). The natrual host is unknown.

Most of the Copaxa brood continuously so I suspect purulhensis would be on the wing every month of the year. Specimens have been confirmed on the wing in August 6, 2008.

ECLOSION, SCENTING AND MATING:

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

The species name "purulhensis" is indicative of a specimen type locale in Purulha, Baja Verapaz, Guatemala.

EGGS, LARVAE, COCOONS AND PUPAE:

Larvae and hosts are currently unknown.

It is hoped that this alphabetical listing followed by the common name of the anticiipated foodplant will prove useful. The list is not exhaustive. Experimenting with closely related foodplants is worthwhile.

Persea americana.....

Avocado

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