DISTRIBUTION:

Epiphora rotunda, (wingspan: males: approximately 102mm; forewing length 61-65mm), is a relatively large species compared to other members in the antinorii group. Wings are noticeably fuller (not so elongated) and more rounded. Hence the species name rotunda.

Epiphora rotunda male, sorry, image not available.

The postmedian line intersects the inner margin at very close to a ninety degree angle and continues almost straight to the costa. In most other antinorii group species, the pm line is much more oblique, almost paralleling the outer margin.

Epiphora rotunda male, Ngorongoro Crater, northern Tanzania,
February 20, 2009, 2300m, courtesy of David Bygott,
digital repair and tentative id by Bill Oehlke.

The submarginal ornamentation is broad and brown in colour rather than the carmine or reddish brown found in similar species.

Epiphora rotunda male, sorry, image not available.

It has been taken in Ngorogoro, Tanzania (February 29, 1989), and from Mt. Kenya East, West Chogoria, Kenya (October 3-5, 2001 at 2900m).

Epiphora rotunda male (verso), Ngorongoro Crater, northern Tanzania,
February 20, 2009, 2300m, courtesy of David Bygott,
significant digital repair (outer margin may be compromised) and tentative id by Bill Oehlke.

FLIGHT TIMES AND PREFERRED FOOD PLANTS:

There appears to be at least two flights, one in February-March and another in September-October.

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

Epiphora rotunda male, Ngorongoro Crater, northern Tanzania,
2005, 2300m, courtesy of David Bygott,
slight digital repair and tentative id by Bill Oehlke.

ECLOSION, SCENTING AND MATING:

Epiphora rotunda 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.

EGGS, LARVAE, COCOONS AND PUPAE:

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

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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