DISTRIBUTION:

Cricula vietnama flies in
Vietnam: Vietnam, Tonkin, Tam Dao, 60 km NW Hanoi, 900 m; and
Myanmar (Burma).

"(Etymology: named after the known distribution range (Vietnam).)"

"Abstract: The present knowledge about the species of the saturniid genus Cricula from Vietnam is compiled. Three species are known: Cricula trifenestrata (Helfer, 1837), Cricula jordani Bryk, 1944 and a third species, which is described as new: Cricula vietnama n. sp. It belongs, just like C. jordani, to the species-group of C. andrei Jordan, 1909, but is smaller and differs in many details of the genitalia. All three species are compared, illustrated, and the genitalia of both sexes are shown. A few notes and rectifications to a recent publication on the Cricula species of China are added. Published in: Senckenbergiana biologica, vol. 78 (1/2): 183-192 15 February 1999"

Cricula vietnama "is on average distinctly smaller than C. jordani (lfw in males: 33.8 mm, which is approximately the same lfw. as for C. trifenestrata; for C. jordani the lfw. is 39.2 mm). The colouration and pattern of the smaller specimens from Mt. Fan-Si-Pan resemble that of the Sumatran endemic C. sumatrensis Jordan, 1939 or of some Himalayan populations of C. andrei Jordan, 1909, while the larger specimens from Tam Dao are more similar to very pale, small specimens of C. jordani.

" The variability range seems to be comparable to that of C. jordani, but the dominating colour is the yellowish form here (in C. jordani it is the reddish orange form). Typical is the constant yellowish- to orange-brownish ground colour, always suffused with some dark violet scales, and the suffusion of the marginal areas of the wings: with greyish and dark violet scales on the fw, with dark violet scales only on the hw. In C. jordani the suffusion is usually not of this dark violet colour. The rear part of the fw is distinctly brighter than the rest of the fw; in the tornal edge the marginal area is nearly pale yellow. This brightening of the tornal area is also found in many other Cricula species, but is on average less pronounced in these.

" One male from Mt. Ngoc Linh in southern (or S-Central) Vietnam (Fig. 12) is pinkish orange and resembles the analogous red colour variants in C. jordani. The hw eyespot and the discoidal fw eyespot are on average distinctly larger than in C. jordani, and also the second fw spot is usually much more prominent (and sometimes with a hyaline centre) than in jordani.

"Females: Similar to the females of C. jordani, slightly smaller. The apex is less pointed. The dark reddish colour of the submarginal area is also found between some of the veins in the otherwise distinctly more orangy median area. The submarginal area is less lightened with greyish scales.

"Female genitalia:. The ostium bursae is much less sclerotized and much smaller than in C. jordani. The general size of the female genitalia is as well slightly smaller than in C. jordani. The lamella postvaginalis is smaller and less pronounced than in C. jordani; however, its median indentation is broader, but not so deep.

"Male genitalia:
Genitalia much smaller than in C. jordani, in size (not in shape and structure) similar to C. trifenestrata. Vesica slender, with only one, but relatively long, tube with an apical cornutus; the two other cornuti are positioned basally, lateral of the tube. There is a sclerotization, sometimes a small spine, at the distal end of the aedeagus tube. Shape of sella variable, sometimes with a distinct part of the two branches still united, sometimes the bifurcation starts very close to the base. Apex of the costal part of the valve very elongate; harpe prominent, but narrow. Sacculus of the valves relatively strong. Scaphium broad.

"The small size and especially the slender shape of the aedeagus and vesica are diagnostic. "

FLIGHT TIMES AND PREFERRED FOOD PLANTS:

The holotype male was taken April 20-30, 1995.

Larvae will probably accept fruit tree foliage: apple, cherry, pear. Alan Marson has first and second instars accepting Liquidambar.

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.

EGGS, LARVAE, COCOONS AND PUPAE: Alan Marson is rearing young larva in May, 2005 on Liquidambar. First instar to the right courtesy of Alan Marson. Alan planted the sweetgum in his yard eighteen years ago in 1987.

Cricula vietnama second instar on sweetgum, May 28, 2005, courtesy of Alan Marson.

Cricula vietnama third instar on sweetgum, June 3, 2005, courtesy of Alan Marson.

Cricula vietnama fifth instar, June 25, 2005, courtesy of Alan Marson.

Cricula vietnama cocoons, July 2, 2005, courtesy of Alan Marson.

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.

Liquidambar ....... (AM)

Sweetgum

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