DISTRIBUTION:

Automeris mixthena (wingspan: males: 38-48mm; females: probably larger // forewing length: males: 20-25mm; females: probably larger) flies in
Mexico: Oaxaca: Sierra Mixteca.

It has been taken at elevations of 1850-1950m.

It is close in appearance to A. oaxaca (mfwl: 22mm), A. jalishena (mfwl: 23mm), A. eogena (mfwl: 24-26mm), A. hegena (mfwl: 26mm) and A. hebe (mfwl: 28-30mm), all members of the Automeris io Subgroup.

I think it will be difficult to distinguish this species from its closest relatives without DNA barcoding confirmation. It is not uncommon in its known range with 24 specimens examined in the initial barcoding sample.

FLIGHT TIMES AND PREFERRED FOOD PLANTS:

Specimens have been taken in July and September-October. There are probably additional flight months.

Host plants are as yet unknown.

ECLOSION, SCENTING AND MATING:

Males use their more highly developed antennae to seek out females who release an airbourne pheromone into the night sky.

EGGS, LARVAE, COCOONS AND PUPAE:

Eggs are deposited in clusters of 6-40+ on hostplant twigs. Larvae have urticating spines and are gregarious, especially in the early instars.

Larval Food Plants

It is hoped that this alphabetical listing followed by the common name of the foodplant will prove useful. The list is not exhaustive. Experimenting with closely related foodplants is worthwhile.

.......

The species name comes from a location type in Mixteca, Oaxaca, Mexico, and similarity to Automeris hebe.

R

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