DISTRIBUTION:

Pseudodirphia infuscata (wingspan: males: 65-81mm; females: 78-92mm) flies in Colombia: Antioquia, Caldas, Meta, Cundinamarca and probably Caqueta and Putamayo; and eastern Ecuador: Sucumbios, Napo, Tungurahua (HK), Morona-Santiago, and probably Pastaza. I am now pretty sure that the similar moths from eastern Ecuador are P. parfuscata.

The forewing is rounded with a convex outer margin. Ground colour is black, but quickly turns to dark brown with scale loss or specimen subjection to light.

The pm line is always recurved and is more or less convex, almost paralleling the outer margin.

FLIGHT TIMES AND PREFERRED FOOD PLANTS:

This species probably has two or more broods annually. Specimens have been taken in January-April-March, and September-November.

Larvae feed upon Carpinus betulus.

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.

EGGS, LARVAE, COCOONS AND PUPAE:

Eggs are deposited in clusters or rings. Larvae are gregarious and are well equipped with urticating spines. A light, single-walled cocoon is spun among leaf litter.

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.

Carpinus betulus.......

European hornbeam

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