"The taxon Cricula cameronensis was described as a subspecies of C. trifenestrata by U. & L.H. Paukstadt (1998). However, as the real C. trifenestrata with the typical black trifenestrata larvae (which are more easily distinguishable from cameronensis than the imagines) is also known from Peninsular Malaysia (larvae were found on several occasions in the Kuala Lumpur/Genting Highlands area, Nässig, Maschwitz et al. unpubl.), and, moreover, as there have been specimens with typical trifenestrata genitalia been collected also in the Cameron Highlands (Brinchang), we believe that cameronensis is not just a "mountain race" of trifenestrata but clearly a separate species. This is also supported by slight, but evidently constant differences in the male genitalia (being slightly larger and stronger sclerotized in cameronensis). Further studies would be necessary to assess this situation beyond doubt." Wolfgang Nassig.

Cricula cameronensis female, from larvae depicted below, courtesy of Gary Saunders.

DISTRIBUTION:

Cricula cameronensis (wingspan: 70-90mm; males: 55mm; females: 66mm) is found in the Cameron Highlands of West Malaysia at altitudes of 1600m.

"Etymology: A toponimic name which referred to the collecting place the Cameron Highlands, Western Malaysia. "

Ulrich Paukstadt describes this species from West Malaysia, Cameron Highlands, Kampong Raja, ca. 1600m.

In the males, the points of light on all wings are small, typical of trifenestrata. The dark spot near the costa approximates in size the lower hyaline spot. The terminal area is also in slight contrast to the basal-median area.

However, Cricula trifenestrata subspecies from higher elevations are reported to have the upper forewing marking larger than the lower one. Otherwise the markings are supposedly the same size.

On Ulrich Brosch's website there are two images of females and one of a male, reared from eggs received from Ulrich Paukstadt from Pahang Province; Cameron Highlands, Kampung Raja, ca. 1600. The male shows a very small hindwing point of light, closer to the pm line that to the am line. The forewing point of light in the cell is quite small, significantly smaller than the dark mark below the costa, typical of nominate trifenestrata. The pm line is slightly concave in its upper half, and it separates an almost uniform median area from a duller greyish-beige terminal area. The basal area of the male forewing has a reddish tinge.

Cricula trifenestrata cameronensis male paratype, courtesy of Ulrich Brosch.

FLIGHT TIMES AND PREFERRED FOOD PLANTS:

Larvae will probably accept fruit tree foliage: apple, cherry, pear.

Cricula cameronensis femela.

ECLOSION, SCENTING AND MATING:

Females extend a scent gland from the tip of the abdomen to call in the night-flying males.

Males use well-developed antennae to track the airbourne pheromone. The forewings of the male are falcate.

EGGS, LARVAE, COCOONS AND PUPAE:

The cocoon has the golden silk and porous weave typical of trifenestrata.

Gary Saunders writes, March 14, 2010, "I have been rearing some Cricula elaezia. On April 26 Gary reports, based on eclosed adult moths, that the eggs were more likely those of Cricula cameronensis. I have copied the larval images below from the C. elaezia page.

"These larvae were reared on Rhododendron, but they were also eating Eucalyptus gunni and the nibbled at Quercus ilex. I am sure they would take to other Quercus species and almost certainly Liquidambar, but I won’t be able to prove this until later on, if I manage to breed them. If I do have any joy, I will try and obtain an egg shot and improved L1 picture also. The larvae are still growing at the moment so there may be another L5 shot to come along with photo of the cocoon. I will most certainly be obtaining the adult set as well.

"The rearing temperature was around 28-30°C in containers with high humidity. Oh, by the way, they sting! They have caught me a number of times whilst changing them on their final instar! I nearly threw the tub across my kitchen today as one caught me on the back of my finger! It really hurt!"

Cricula elaezia more likely C. cameronensis, first instars, courtesy of Gary Saunders

Cricula elaezia more likely C. cameronensis, second instars, courtesy of Gary Saunders

Cricula elaezia more likely C. cameronensis, third instars, courtesy of Gary Saunders

Cricula elaezia more likely C. cameronensis, fourth instars, courtesy of Gary Saunders

Cricula elaezia more likely C. cameronensis, fourth instars, courtesy of Gary Saunders

Cricula elaezia more likely C. cameronensis, fifth instars, courtesy of Gary Saunders

Cricula elaezia more likely C. cameronensis, fifth instar, courtesy of Gary Saunders

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. Current list courtesy of Gary Saunders.

Eucalyptus gunnii ....... Liquidambar ?? Quercus ilex Rhododendron

Cider gum Sweetgum Holm Oak or Holly Oak Rhododendron

Larval Food Plants

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.

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