DISTRIBUTION:

Epiphora acuta (wingspan: males: 110-118mm, possibly larger; females: ) flies in
Malawi: Malawi, Mont Mulanje, at elevations near 700 m.

This species is very similar to Epiphora mythimnia. It can be distinguished from both mythimnia and vicina by its much larger size.

The relatively narrow white forewing band, running from near the body toward the base of the large hyaline area, narrows considerably to an acute point before meeting the hyaline area, and there is no upward white tracing along the inner edge of the eyespot.

The white postmedian line is thin, wispy (like vicina and leae) and s-shaped as it runs its course from the costa outside the cell, thickening slightly after passing the ocellus, and making a strong out turn as it approaches the inner margin.

The pml is not as subparallel to the underside of the eyespot as in most other species whose pml seems to have a more pronounced convex appearance around the outer portion of the cell, both above and below.

Visit Epiphora mythimnia Group Comparison Plate.

FLIGHT TIMES AND PREFERRED FOOD PLANTS:

Specimens have been taken in late October. There are probably additional additional flight months.

Epiphora acuta HT male (verso), Mulanje, Malawi,
October 20, 2003, 700m, on my home computer only.

Epiphora acuta larvae probably feed on Citrus, Maesopsis eminii, Paullinia, Zanthoxylum macrophyllum and Fagara macrophylla.

ECLOSION, SCENTING AND MATING:

Epiphora acuta females extend a scent gland from the posterior tip of the abdomen to call in the night-flying males.

EGGS, LARVAE, COCOONS, AND PUPAE:

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

The species name acuta refers to point on valve of genitalia.

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.

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

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

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