DISTRIBUTION:

Isognathus swainsonii (Wing span: male: 82mm; females: larger than males), flies from Brazil to Bolivia with Brazil given as the specimen type locality.

Jean Haxaire records it in French Guiana.

Isognathus swainsonii French Guiana, courtesy of Stephane Vassel,
id by Jean-Marie Cadiou and Jean Haxaire.

FLIGHT TIMES:

There are probably several flights throughout the year. The specimen depicted top of page was taken in December.

ECLOSION:

Moths emerge from pupae in thin-walled cocoons under leaf litter within 8-24 days of pupation.

SCENTING AND MATING:

Females call in the males with a pheromone released from a gland at the tip of the abdomen. Adults nectar at flowers, including petunia.

EGGS, LARVAE, PUPAE:

Females probably lay eggs on leaves of Apocynacea. Plumeria acuminata has been reported as a host.

Larvae have long tails; colouration suggests they are unpalatable to birds.

The pupae are also quite colourful, and, I suspect, are very lively. Moths generally emerge witin 8-24 days of pupation.

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