DISTRIBUTION:

Copaxa sanmarcosiana (wingspan: males: 70mm; females: mm // forewing length: males: 36mm; females: ) flies in Guatemala: San Marcos: near San Marcos town, Sierra Madre; at elevations near 1900m.

This species belongs to the Cydippe Group.

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.

Visit Copaxa cydippe Group Comparison Chart.

FLIGHT TIMES AND PREFERRED FOOD PLANTS:

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

Most of the Copaxa brood continuously so I suspect rufimichoacanensis would be on the wing every month of the year. Confirmed reports are for a single specimen taken in November in Guatemala.

ECLOSION, SCENTING AND MATING:

Male Copaxa sanmarcosiana 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, sanmarcosiana, is indicative of a specimen type locality in San Marcos, Guatemala.

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