DISTRIBUTION:

Molippa convergens (wingspan: males: 54-64mm; females: 62-74mm) flies in
southeastern Brazil: Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo, Santa Catarina, Parana (CM); and
possibly Paraguay;
and possibly Argentina.

Lemaire indicates the cell spot is very dark and in sharp contrast to the median area in convergens, much less so in cruenta. He also indicates the specimen depicted as convergens in Conte, 1906, is actually cruenta.

I note the forewing outer margin is more oblique in convergens, more squarish in cruenta, and the forewing pm line is noticeably more concave in cruenta, which when coupled with concave course leaves a wider area in the surbmarginal/marginal region.

Lemaire indicates convergens and cruenta fly in the same areas at the same time of the year. There is a distinction in the male genitalia, so, despite the great similarities in outward appearance, both are probably good species. I expect convergens can be found at elevations from 300m to 900m.

FLIGHT TIMES AND PREFERRED FOOD PLANTS:

Specimens have been taken from February to May, suggesting two generations.

Larvae and their hosts are unknown.

Austrolippa convergens female, Brazil,
courtesy of Eric van Schayck,
id by Bill Oehlke, sent as cruenta.

ECLOSION, SCENTING AND MATING:

Females extend a scent gland from the tip of their abdomens to "call" the males. Males use their antennae to hone in on the airbourne pheromone.

EGGS, LARVAE, COCOONS AND PUPAE:

Eggs are deposited in clusters and larvae feed gregariously. Typical of Hemileucini species, larvae have urticating spines.

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.

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