DISTRIBUTION:

The Samia naumanni (forewing length: males: 73-84mm; females: 64mm) moth flies in Peleng: Banggai Archipelago and Sulawesi, Sula Islands and Province Central Moluccas.

Note the strong bend on the inner third of the forewing crescent. This moth is very similar to S. naessigi.

FLIGHT TIMES AND PREFERRED FOOD PLANTS:

The species probably broods continuously but there seem to be seasonal peaks. Specimens have been taken in February, July, August, September, October.

Larvae are probably polyphagous on native trees, but natural hosts remain unknown.

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, probably from 2:30 am until dawn, and hone in on the pheromone plume via their highly developed and sensitive antennae.

Samia naumanni female

EGGS, LARVAE, COCOONS AND PUPAE:

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

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.

unknown.......

unknown

Use your browser "Back" button to return to the previous page.

Return to Main Index

Return to Samia genus