Rosy Gypsy Moth (Lymantriidae Lymantria mathura - Moore, 1865)

Found a female at Kadoorie Research Center, New Territories, Hong Kong, while MUV light trapping the first week of October, 2000.  There are 6 instars.  Initial LFP was Mango blossoms.  Later instars still preferred these, but would also eat the leaves of Dragon Eye (Longaan) and Sweet Gum (Liquidamber formosana).  Due to the completion of the bloom cycle of the Mango trees, final rearing was done solely on Liquidamber.  Other reported LFP include various Quercus, Malus, Prunus, Fagus,  and the flowers of Lychee.

The larvae from a very early stage and throughout their development often performed a curious "dance", holding to a branch with the middle segment prolegs and repeatedly arching or bending both the head and tail segments backwards to touch.  Since there was frequently no apparent irritant present, the reason for this behavior is unclear.


An egg mass was laid Oct 7, 2000.
Note that it was covered on the outward facing side with body scales from the female.
The ova began changing appearance on Oct 22, 2000.


The ova did not begin hatching until March 1, 2001.
The larva was about 3.4 mm / 0.13 inches long.
Initially, the hatchlings ate their eggshells and other eggs.

First instar occurred on March 17, 2001.
Larva was about 5.8 mm / 0.23 inch long.
Hatching coincided with the blooming of Mango trees, which proved to be
an acceptable food source.  The blooms especially were preferred.


Second instar began on March 19, 2001.
The new instars were not much longer, but were bit stouter.



Third instar began on March 23, 2001.
The larva were about 2 cm / 0.78 inch long.
By this stage, gender distinction was observable based on size;
The females were significantly larger and faster growing than the males.


Fourth instar (?) on March 31, 2001.
This larva was about 3 cm / 1.2 inches long.
A typical female larva; note the white marking at the tail end;
this was much less pronounced in the males at this stage.
The female larvae were about twice as long as the males.

A nearly mature larva in typical rest posture, April 28, 2001.
The larva was 4.2 cm / 1.6 inches long.


April 5, 2001
This mature female larva was 6 cm / 2.4 inches long.
Note the late-appearing, brown markings on the mid-dorsal area.



Pupation took place throughout April and May; the first pupae were males.
The odd  pupae (female on left, male on right)  were attached at the tail
and anchored by only a few silk threads to the leaf surface.
The female pupa was 3 cm / 1.2 inches long.
The male pupa was about 2 cm / 0.78 inch long.

The male (left) and female (right) moth in rest position.
Eclosure took place from the end of April through June.
Some new ova were laid, but only a very few from one mating hatched.

Male moth, top and undersides
The male's wingspan is about 4.5 cm / 1.75 inches.
This specimen was MUV light trapped at Kadoorie Gardens on Oct 6, 2001.

The female's wingspan is about 9.2 cm / 3.6 inches.
 
 

Back to Critters Page
 

kilroy
This WebPage and Site authored and maintained wholly by Light Creations.
Please direct all questions, queries and comments to: David L. Mohn
Copyright Light Creations 1993-2005 - All Rights Reserved.
This page last updated 16-Oct-2001.