DISTRIBUTION:

Automeris werneri moth (wingspan: males: 56mm; females: ?? // forewing length: males 31-32mm; females: mm) flies in
Mexico: Oaxaca, at elevations around 1530m.

This moth is very similar to Automeris wernermeisteri and was discovered amongst the paratype specimens of wernermeisteri.

It seems the forewing apex of werneri is slightly pointed, and the outer margin is slightly hollowed out just below the apex before expanding outward in a slightly convex manner so that the lower half of the outer margin is more produced than the apex.

The dark pm line is quite concave and is faintly, inwardly lined with pale yellow-gold. The hindwing ocellus is relatively small.

FLIGHT TIMES AND PREFERRED FOOD PLANTS:

Moths have been taken in June, August and October. There are probably additional flight months.

ECLOSION, SCENTING AND MATING:

Females extend a scent gland from the tip of their abdomens to "call" the males. Males use their antennae to hone in on the airbourne pheromone.

EGGS, LARVAE, COCOONS AND PUPAE:

Larvae probably pupate in a very flimsy cocoon spun amongst leaf litter.

The species name, werneri, signifies a previous inclusion in the paratype set of specimens described as wernermeisteri, which is honourific for Werner Meister.

Larval Food Plants

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

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