DISTRIBUTION:

Pseudodirphia dioscola (wingspan: males: 82-88-93mm; females: larger) flies in
Peru: Madre de Dios, Salvacion, 485-590m. XI.1998

Pseudodirphia dioscola male, 93mm, Madre de Dios, Peru,
on my home computer only.

FLIGHT TIMES AND PREFERRED FOOD PLANTS:

This species has been taken in May (JV) and November. I suspect there are additional flight months.

Natural larval hosts are unknown, but Robinia is a likely choice and has been used with success by Kirby Wolfe for other species in this genus.

Pseudodirphia dioscola male, 82mm, Madre de Dios, Peru,
on my home computer only.

ECLOSION, SCENTING AND MATING:

Males use highly developed antennae to locate females at night by tracking their airbourne pheromone plume.

At rest, moths fold wings over the body in typical Hemileucinae style.

Pseudodirphia dioscola male, 88mm, Madre de Dios, Peru,
on my home computer only.

EGGS, LARVAE, COCOONS AND PUPAE:

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.

Robinia .......

Locust

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The pronunciation of scientific names is troublesome for many. The "suggestion" at the top of the page is merely a suggestion. It is based on commonly accepted English pronunciation of Greek names and/or some fairly well accepted "rules" for latinized scientific names.

The suggested pronunciations, on this page and on other pages, are primarily put forward to assist those who hear with internal ears as they read.

There are many collectors from different countries whose intonations and accents would be different.

Pseudodirphia was chosen as the genus name as these moths are very similar to those in the Dirphia genus.

The species name, dioscola, refers to a specimen type locality in Madre de Dios, Peru, and possibly?? to a close similarity to P. andicola.