DISTRIBUTION:

The Hemileuca electra rubra moth (wingspan: males: 49mm; females: 57 mm) flies in Baja California Norte, Mexico, in the northwestern section of the Vizcaino Desert.

Hemileuca electra rubra male (Mexico) courtesy of Dr. Manuel A. Balcazar Lara

FLIGHT TIMES AND PREFERRED FOOD PLANTS:

Moths are on the wing in October. Larvae feed on Tamarix, Pachycormis discolor, Idria columnaris and Fouquieria splendens.

ECLOSION, SCENTING AND MATING:

Eclosions probably take place in the morning with females calling from 9:00 am until 10:00 am.

Hemileuca electra rubra female copyright Kirby Wolfe

EGGS, LARVAE, COCOONS AND PUPAE:

Eggs are laid in rings of 25-35 eggs/ring.

Pupation is in a shallow underground chamber or under loose debris.

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.

Tamarix Pachycormis discolor....... Idria columnaris Fouquieria splendens

Saltcedar Baja Elephant Tree Boojum Tree Ocotillo

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