Scientific Note: Unusual aggregation of <i>Macrobrochis gigas</i> (Walker, 1854) in southern India (Lepidoptera, Erebidae, Arctiinae, Lithosiini)

Abstract

Macrobrochis gigas (Erebidae, Arctiinae, Lithosini) is among the less studied moths found in southern and southeastern Asia. Here, we report an unusual mass aggregation of adult M. gigas from southern India, where large swarms of the species were seen feeding on nectar of Terminalia paniculata (Combretaceae) flowers. This note also presents observations on the aggregation and feeding behavior of M. gigas caterpillars.