Moths of the Andes - Xenosoma giganteum

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Moths of the Amazon and Andes

Spectre

Xenosoma giganteum DRUCE, 1895

Family - ARCTIIDAE

subfamily - PERICOPINAE

Tribe -

introduction | habitats | lifecycle | adult behaviour

Xenosoma giganteum, Manu cloudforest, 1400m, Peru

Introduction

This moth has very distinctive venation which appears to be a near perfect match for the specimen of Xenosoma giganteum illustrated as a watercolour painting in Biologia Centrali Americana. The wingspan is circa 6cms.

Habitats

Cloudforest, elevation 1400m.

Lifecycle

If my determination of this species is correct then it is likely that the early stages will be similar to those of other Arctiidae. Typically the ova are laid in batches, and the larvae are hairy and feed on lichens or low growing herbaceous plants. The pupae of Arctiidae are normally formed within a flimsy cocoon comprised of matted larval hair and little or no silk.

Adult behaviour

Attracted to fluorescent light in early evening.

Arctiid moths are equipped with organs in the thorax which are used to produce sounds that have been demonstrated to deter bat attacks.

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