DISTRIBUTION:

Rothschildia cincta (wing span: 3 15/16 - 5 1/8 inches (10 - 13 cm)) is found in desert and riparian habitats from southern Arizona down into Mexico: Baja California Sur, Sonora, Sinaloa and Nayarit.

This is a relatively rare species in the U.S.

This species looks very much like R. jorulla jorulla, but cincta lacks the white scales found on the outer margin of the hindwing.

FLIGHT TIMES AND PREFERRED FOOD PLANTS:

Single-brooded cincta are on the wing from July-August, and in natural habitats larvae feed on Jatropha curcas (Barbados nut/Physic nut/Limberbush), Coursetia glandulosa, Mimosa dysocarpa (Velvet pod mimosa), and Sapium biloculare (Mexican jumping bean).

Rothschildia cincta female, Ruby, Arizona, July 23, 2005, courtesy of David Bygott.

ECLOSION, SCENTING AND MATING:

Adults in Sonora, Mexico, mate in the early morning and females lay eggs in clusters beginning at dusk. In other areas mating occurs at dusk.

Males (photo courtesy of Leroy Simon) have more falcate wings.

EGGS, LARVAE, COCOONS AND PUPAE:

In early instars, larvae are gregarious, but more mature larvae are solitary. Typical of Rothschildia, the cocoon hangs from and is securely fastened to a twig or branch with a strong silk stem. The larval image to the right is courtesy of Chris Conlan.

Rothschildia cincta fourth instar, Arizona, copyright protected, courtesy of Leroy Simon.

Rothschildia cincta fourth instar, Arizona, copyright protected, courtesy of Leroy Simon.

Rothschildia cincta, Arizona, courtesy of David Bygott.

Rothschildia cincta cocoon, Arizona, copyright protected, courtesy of Leroy Simon.

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.

Coursetia glandulosa..... Dodonaea viscosa Jatropha curcas Ligustrum Mimosa dysocarpa Quercus Prunus serotina Sapium biloculare Schinus

Coursetia Hopbush Barbados nut/Physic nut/Limberbush Privet Velvet pod mimosa Oak Wild blackcherry Mexican jumping bean Pepper tree

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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.

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

"Rothschildia" is chosen to honour one of the Rothschilds, possibly William.

The species name, cincta, comes from the Latin cinctus, meaning girdle, and probably was chosen for the white band separating (girdling) the thorax from the abdomen.