DISTRIBUTION:

Epiphora kipengerensis (wingspan: males: 94-115mm; females: probably larger) flies in Africa.

BOLD Systems lists it in
southwestern Tanzania: Kipenger Range and
northern Malawi: Rumphi District.

Dave Rolfe sends a specimen image from
northeastern Zambia: Nyika Plateau.

John Kamps sends the images of male and female specimens from Nyika National Park, Rumphi District, in northern Malawi.

Epiphora kipengerensis male, Nyika National Park,
Rumphi District, northern Malawi, courtesy of John Kamps,
identification by Thierry Bouyer, February 2010.

FLIGHT TIMES AND PREFERRED FOOD PLANTS:

Dave Rolfe reports a November flight in Zambia.

Epiphora kipengerensis larvae possibly feed on Citrus, Maesopsis eminii, Paullinia, Zanthoxylum macrophyllum and Fagara macrophylla.

Epiphora kipengerensis female, Nyika National Park,
Rumphi District, northern Malawi, courtesy of John Kamps,
identification by Thierry Bouyer, February 2010.

Epiphora imperator more likely kipengerensis, female, southwest Tanzania,
courtesy of Andreas Riekert

ECLOSION, SCENTING AND MATING:

Epiphora kipengerensis females extend a scent gland from the posterior tip of the abdomen to call in the night-flying males.The pair remains coupled until the following evening.

The wings of the female are more rounded than those of the male.

Epiphora imperator more likely kipengerensis, male, southwest Tanzania,
courtesy of Andreas Riekert

Epiphora imperator, more likely kipengerensis, Malawi,
courtesy of Eric van Schayck.

EGGS, LARVAE, COCOONS, AND PUPAE:

The cocoon is double walled and resembles the cocoon of the Hyalphora.

Epiphora kipengerensis male, Njombe surroundings,
courtesy of Teemu Klemetti.

Larval Food Plants

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

Citrus Fagara macrophylla..... Maesopsis eminii Paullinia Zanthoxylum macrophyllum.......

Citrus East African Satin Wood Muhumula/Musira Guarana Hercules' club

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Epiphora kipengerensis male (verso), sorry, image not available.