2023 Volume 74 Issue 3 Pages 75-78
Two pterophorid species, Deuterocopus socotranus and D. albipunctatus, are recorded from Kumejima Island, Okinawa, Japan for the first time. The two species were exhibiting swarming behavior in Kadekaru, Kumejima Island. Groups of 10-20 moths were observed at a height of 1-2 m above the ground and 10-30 cm above the plants Ampelopsis glandulosa and Vitis ficifolia (Vitaceae). The behavior was documented at 1600-1700 hrs from July to October 2022. The swarming moths were primarily males, with many fewer females observed. It is uncertain whether swarming groups consisted of one or two similar species. The swarming may be mating behavior.
