Brahmin moths (Family: Brahmaeidae)

Brahmaea wallichii  is a moth from the Brahmaeidae family, the brahmin moths. It is found in the north of India, Myanmar, China, Taiwan and Japan. The wingspan is about 160 mm (6.3 in). Wavy lines and alternating light and dark colors provide considerable camouflage on tree bark.

The larvae feed on Fraxinus excelsior, Ligustrum and Common Lilac. They are able to neutralize plant toxins produced by Ligustrum. The species is named after the botanist Nathaniel Wallich.

Brahmaea wallichii Gray, 1831

Taxonomical status

Kingdom: Animalia

Phylum: Arthropoda

Class: Insecta

Order: Lepidoptera

Family: Brahmaeidae

Genus: Brahmaea

Species: Brahmaea wallichii Gray, 1831

A single species of B. wallichii was collected by my student Sangay Wangmo, class VIII from the Girls' Hostel on 5th May 2012. So far from this family we have not collected and spotted any other species.Family Brahmaeidae is RARE in Mendrelgang, Bhutan.

Reference:

1. http://huffmantaxidermy.com/oehlke/BrBramophthalmawalwal.htm
2. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brahmaea_wallichii