Name/Title
Sunset MothEntry/Object ID
2004.4.3Description
Description: The Madagascan sunset moth or simply sunset moth, Chrysiridia rhipheus, is a day-flying moth of the Uraniidae family. It is considered to be one of the most impressive and beautiful Lepidoptera.[10] Famous worldwide, it is featured in most coffee table books on the Lepidoptera and is much sought after by collectors.[11][12] It is very colourful, though the iridescent parts of the wings do not have pigment; rather the colours originate from optical interference.[7][13] Adult moths have a wingspan of 7–9 centimetres (3–3½ in).
The moth was considered to be a butterfly by Dru Drury, who described it in 1773 and placed it in the genus Papilio. Jacob Hübner placed it in the moth genus Chrysiridia in 1823. Later redescriptions led to junior synonyms such as Chrysiridia madagascariensis (Lesson, 1831).[2]
At first the moth was thought to be from China or Bengal,[14][15] but was later found to be endemic to Madagascar. It is found throughout the year in most parts of the island, with peak populations between March and August, and smallest numbers between October and December. Females lay about 80 eggs under the leaves of Omphalea spp. The caterpillars are whitish-yellow with black spots and red feet and are covered in club-ended black setae. Silk spun from the mouth helps the caterpillars hold onto smooth leaves and climb back to the plant when they fall. After completing four instars, the caterpillars spin an open network cocoon. The pupal stage lasts from 17 to 23 days.[16] Chrysiridia rhipheus is the sole specialist herbivore of the four species of Omphalea in Madagascar. Omphalea is toxic: the toxins are sequestered by the feeding caterpillar and retained in the pupal and adult stages.[17] Thousands of these moths migrate between the eastern and western ranges of their host plants.[16][17]Collection
Suomynona Butterfly CollectionAcquisition
Accession
2004.4Source or Donor
Suomynona Butterfly CollectionAcquisition Method
DonationOther Name
Chrysiridia RhipheusLocation
Location
* Untyped Location
Mentzer Hall, MH-11Category
ExhibitMoved By
Jillian Mather KettleyDate
May 1, 2025Notes
Update locationLocation
Building
Storage (old gift shop upstairs)Category
PermanentMoved By
Rawley WyattDate
March 10, 2015
