DISTRIBUTION:

Hirpida levojunensis (wingspan: males: 54-60mm; females: 67mm// forewing length: males: 28-31mm; females: probably larger) flies in
Peru: Junin: Satipo: Calabaza, at elevations of 2350-3025m.

Based on recent (2011) DNA barcoding analysis, Hirpida levojunensis has been given full species status in the Hirpida levis group.

The most distinguishing feature in levojunensis seems to be the strong outward curve of the pm band as it approaches the inner margin. It also has a deeper reddish ground colour, and a suffusion of white in the post median area, especially near the anal angle.

FLIGHT TIMES AND PREFERRED FOOD PLANTS:

Specimens are on the wing in December-January and July. There are probably other flight months.

Larvae possibly feed on oak species.

ECLOSION, SCENTING AND MATING:

Females extend a scent gland from the tip of the abdomen, and the night-flying males pickup and track the airbourne pheromone plume with their well-developed antennae.

Females are likely most active right after dusk. The male, above, was taken early in the evening.

EGGS, LARVAE, COCOONS AND PUPAE:

Eggs are deposited in clusters on hostplant foliage.

Hirpida levopascoensis larvae are highly gregarious and have the urticating spines typical of larvae from the Subfamily Hemileucinae.

The species name is indicative of a close association with H. levis and a specimen type in Junin, Peru.

Larval Food Plants

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

Quercus.......

Oak

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