DISTRIBUTION:

Yatanga heptapora (wingspan: males: 35-39mm; females: 43mm) inhabits
southeastern Kenya: Kedai; and
northeastern Tanzania.

Yatanga heptapora male, 35mm, Tanzania,
on my home computer only.

DNA barcoding analysis has resulted in the "resurrection" of some "older" species which had been synonymized. There is probably great similarity in physical appearance of most of the Yatanga species, and possibly DNA barcoding is the only way to conclusively identify the various species.

Visit Yatanga Comparison plate.

FLIGHT TIMES AND PREFERRED FOOD PLANTS:

This moth possibly flies in November, and probably in other months.

ECLOSION, SCENTING AND MATING:

Females probably fly early at night with males on the wing probably around midnight, the expected calling time of females. Both sexes probably come in to lights.

Yatanga heptapora female, 43mm, Tanzania,
on my home computer only.

EGGS, LARVAE, COCOONS AND PUPAE:

Eggs are probably deposited in small groups of 4-12 on twigs or hostplant leaves. Larvae are solitary feeders.

Larvae descend the foodplant at pupation time and construct a flimsy cocoon in debris at the base of the hostplant.

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.

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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. It is based on commonly accepted English pronunciation of Greek names and/or some fairly well accepted "rules" for latinized scientific names.

The suggested pronunciations, on this page and on other pages, are primarily put forward to assist those who hear with internal ears as they read.

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

I do not know the reason for Darge's choice of the genus name of Yatanga in 2008.

The species name heptapora might?? refer to the seven outward extensions of the forewing pm line into the submarginal area, but I am not at all certain of that. It is also possible that the extensions are vestigial and pora refers to the seven dots on the wing veins.