Hypocala velans

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Hypocala velans
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Lepidoptera
Superfamily: Noctuoidea
Family: Erebidae
Genus: Hypocala
Species:
H. velans
Binomial name
Hypocala velans
Walker, 1857
Synonyms
  • Hypocala andremona r. velans

Hypocala velans is a moth of the family Erebidae. It was first described by Francis Walker in 1857. It is endemic to the Hawaiian islands of Kauai, Oahu, Molokai, Maui and Hawaii. It was thought to be extinct until a single specimen was collected at Puʻu Waʻawaʻa in April 1995.

Adults of this species are known to roost in caves.

The larvae feed on Maba sandwicensis. Full-grown caterpillars are about 40 mm and have a fuscous-brown color which is nearly uniform, but on close examination is found to be made up of dark fuscous or black with numerous crinkled longitudinal lines of a lavender color.

External links[edit]

  • Zimmerman, Elwood C. (1958). Insects of Hawaii. Vol. 7 Macrolepidoptera. University of Hawaii Press, Honolulu. hdl:10125/7336.