Another Madagascar moth

[timstewart]

This is a second picture taken in November 2011 at Ankarafantsika National Park. I would appreciate help in identifying the moth.

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[lepidofrance]

Erebidae : Erebinae : Erebus walkeri BUTLER, 1875

Check if there's a ssp. in Madagascar

[steve]

I will be in Madagascar for two weeks at the beginning of July traveling from Port Dauphin to Andasibe and then to Diego Suarez ( Amber Mountain). Any advice on what Lepidoptera I can expect to see and where?
Many thanks

[lepidofrance]

As already mentioned, you will have a glimpse of wildlife, by region, by going on the page: www.lepido-france.fr/2011/08/sur-la-faune-malgache/

You should know that the best habitats are in the parks where the collection of insects is prohibited. This is the case, for example, in the Montagne d'Ambre, where there is a lot of butterflies, of various species.

It is possible to collect outside the parks.

Our association (Lepidopterists of France) will organize an entomological stay in this area in January 2013 (we are busy preparing it). This will be mainly a photographic hunting.

I know much less the faunal data for the South (Port Dauphin). Our trip will be to the North and Montagne d'Ambre.

I have a friend who is busy right now to collect (with permission) in Madagascar: on his return, I will ask her for information.

[lepidofrance]

The endemic and beautiful :
Hypolimnas dexithea HEWITSON, 1863, flies in Parc de Mantadia-Andasibé (Périnet, 100 km East of Antananarivo).

Here is the translation of a mail I received some days ago :

" I'm writing you from Tamatave on the east Mada where I am doing an internship capacity building to local guides on behalf of the national office and the regional tourism.

I returned from my stay Forestry Thursday, May 30 at night after 23 days of work. The forest is beautiful, very well preserved and butterflies, given the season were very unfavorable to the appointment: about thirty species. And I saw Hipolimnas dexithea in nature! And many Chrysiridia ripheus. Cons by rare species such as Masoura Masoura or Mylothris splendens, zero. But I'm happy!
Collecting : this is something that is totally prohibited in all Malagasy reserves: you can not do this or Ankarafantsika or Morondava or Perinet.
Outside of reserves, it's possible".

[steve]

Thank you, I appreciate the information. I do not intend to collect, just photograph. I would love to see the Sunset Moth alive !!! Hopefully I may have some photos to post when I return.