Moths of
the Amazon and Andes
Flame-bordered
Longhorn
Blepharocerus
ignitalis
HAMPSON, 1906
Family - PYRALIDAE
subfamily -
CHRYSAUGINAE
Tribe -
introduction
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habitats |
lifecycle |
adult behaviour
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Blepharocerus
ignitalis, Manu
cloudforest, 1400m, Peru |
Introduction
There
are 2 known species in the genus Blepharocerus,
i.e. rosellus and ignitalis,
both found in the neotropical region.
The huge "horn" on the head is simply a pair of oversized and conjoined labial
palpi. The plumes at their tips are tufts of sensory scales which are probably
used as mate location radar. These are not confined to
Blepharocerus, being found also in certain other Pyralid genera such as
Lametia, Narcaea,
Hypenaria, Simplicia,
Bertula and Zorzines. In the genus
Mastigophorus the palpi are hugely extended, being
greater in length than the forewing, and are projected forward like the arms of
a diver.
Features which distinguish Blepharocerus from these
other genera include the protruding tuft of scales on the forewing costa, the
deeply convex outer margin, and the falcate apex.
The range of
Blepharocerus ignitalis extends from Mexico to Bolivia.
Habitats
This species appears to be restricted to montane woodland and cloudforest
habitats.
Lifecycle
Unknown.
Adult behaviour
The moths are attracted to fluorescent and UV lighting.
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