The host plant and pre-imaginal stages of Actias callandra (Saturniidae) from the Andaman Islands, India

Abstract

The pre-imaginal stages of Actias callandra, a silk moth endemic to the Andaman Islands, are described and figured in color for the first time. The larvae were reared to maturity on Lannea coromandelica (Anacardiaceae); another possible hostplant is Rhizophora. The cocoon apparently has no sericultural value. It is proposed that A. callandra be treated as a distinct species, instead of a subspecies of A. selene, on the basis of various morphological differences, especially between the second instars and the coloration of the wings of the males of the two species.