DISTRIBUTION:

The Samia insularis moth (forewing length: 64-77mm) flies in
Java: D.K.I. Jakarta, West Jawa Province, Banten Prov., D.I. Yogyakarta, Central Jawa Prov., East Jawa Province;
Sumatra;
Krakatoa and Nias.

This moth is sympatric with S. abrerai in eastern and western Java and is a close match.

Samia insularis male, courtesy of Steve Ife.

The forewing apex of insularis is quite falcate, and the basic ground colour is olive brown. The apical eyespot of insularis is smaller than that of abrerai and there is no small black dot below the eyespot in insularis.

Samia insularis male, Barat Province, Java, courtesy of Renco Smeelen.

FLIGHT TIMES AND PREFERRED FOOD PLANTS:

The species probably broods continuously but there are definite, seasonal peaks in April-May (strong) and September-October (weak).

Larvae are probably polyphagous on native trees, and the following have been recorded: Cinchona succirubra, Erythrina indica, Erythrina subumbrans, Syzygium auquem and Camellia sinensis.

Johnny Marchant reports indicates Camellia sinensis can often be purchased from nurseries.

Samia insularis female, Barat Province, Java, courtesy of Renco Smeelen.

ECLOSION, SCENTING AND MATING:

The female begins scenting after dark by projecting a scent gland from the posterior tip of her abdomen. Males fly into the breeze and hone in on the pheromone plume via their highly developed and sensitive antennae.

Males of S. insularis seem to arrive at lights considerably later (3:15-4:15 am) than those of S. abrerai.

Samia insularis female.

EGGS, LARVAE, COCOONS AND PUPAE:

Eggs are deposited on host foliage with incubation requiring eight to ten days.

Mature larvae are most often found on quinine.

Samia insularis eggs, Barat Province, Java, courtesy of Renco Smeelen.

Samia insularis first instar on Ligustrum, courtesy of Renco Smeelen.

Samia insularis second instar on Ligustrum, courtesy of Marc Fischer.

Samia insularis third instar on Ligustrum, courtesy of Marc Fischer.

Samia insularis fourth instar on Ligustrum, courtesy of Renco Smeelen.

Samia insularis fifth instar on Ligustrum, courtesy of Renco Smeelen.

Samia insularis cocoon on Ligustrum, courtesy of Renco Smeelen.

Samia insularis female, Barat Province, Java, courtesy of Renco Smeelen.

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.

Cinchona succirubra Erythrina indica Erythrina subumbrans ....... Ligustrum (MF) Syzygium auquem Camellia sinensis (JM)

Quinine Coral Tree/Tiger Claw Coral Tree Privet Swamp-peach Tea

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