DISTRIBUTION:

Rothschildia paucidentata flies in the coastal Cordillera of northern Venezuela: Aragua (CL), Tachira (DR). The images from Tachira seem closer to R. lebeau to me. R. paucidentata may be limited to the coast.

Rothschildia paucidentata belongs to a group of four species: lebeau, cincta, prionia, paucidentata. All four species lack white scales on the outer margin of the hindwings.

In paucidentata the postmedian line is very straight and almost non-dentate and outwardly oriented from the inner margin to the costa. The forewing hyaline spots tend to be small and usually do not reach, or only barely touch the postmedial line. Hyaline spots on all wings are more or less triangular with a central indentation on the inward side.

FLIGHT TIMES AND PREFERRED FOOD PLANTS: Specimens have been taken in May (CL) and August (DR). There are probably many flights. This species will probably accept Ligustrum (privet), lilac, ailanthus and oak. Rothschildia paucidentata male, Tachira, Venezuela, courtesy of Dave Rolfe. R. paucidentata and R. lebeau subspecies can de difficult to distinguish. The specimen, right, has features of both. I think it is more likely a subspecies of R. lebeau.

ECLOSION, SCENTING AND MATING: Like most of the Rothschildia, except for the diurnal zacateca, this species calls and pairs at night. Rothschildia paucidentata female, Tachira, Venezuela, courtesy of Dave Rolfe. I think it is more likely a subspecies of R. lebeau. Wing shape, especially the hindwings, hyaline areas and patterning do not match Lemaire's descriiption of R. paucidentata.

EGGS, LARVAE, COCOONS AND PUPAE:

There are both inner and outer cocoons, each with a relatively long valve to facilitate eclosions. Other species fasten their cocoons longitudinally to host plant stems as per the Hyalophora.

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.

Ailanthus altissima..... Ligustrum Quercus Syringa vulgaris

Ailanthus Privet Oak Common lilac

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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, paucidentata, is descriptive, indicating the paucity (scarcity) of dentation on the pm lines.