Actual ranges may, in many cases, be more expansive than noted.
Vernon A. Brou has been extemely helpful with distributions, especially C. sepulcralis and H. maia. Vernon has also provided data on Automeris io which he refers to as subspecies io lilith. He feels there may be as many as four broods of this phenotype (Lemaire)/subspecies (Brou) in Louisiana, with peak flights beginning in early April and continuing at 46 day intervals until early to mid August with moths occasionally taken as late as November.
A. consularis is probably limited to the southern coastal parishes, if it occurs in Louisiana at all. S. bisecta probably flies throughout the state even though it is not indicated on the maps.
With the exceptions of C. sepulcralis (southeast) and A. louisiana (coastal), I suspect most of the other species are common and widespread.
Clicking on a scientific name will take you to a file with pictures and/or information.
Tee Tarleton sent me this picture from St. Tammany Parish, Louisiana. I have seen the same kind of behaviour in larval sleeves where the larva actually leave the host and begin crawling around on the inside of the sleeve. I think they do this when they are preparing to moult.
Tee Tarleton confirms Hemileuca maia in Albita Springs, St. Tammany Parish with larval images.
Non-member Joseph Mitternight confirms Antherae polyphemus for Covington, Louisiana, Parish of St. Tammany, June 30, 2003. "We're about 35 miles north of New Orleans."
Non-member Michael McCann Sr. reports Antheraea polyphemus in New Orleans, Orleans Parish, September 30, 2003, as fifth instar larva, cocooned on October 1. Image below.
Non-member Joe Hansen reports Eacles imperialis from Tangipahoa Parish, confirmed with larval image. The larva was found under a large willow oak on September 29, 2004.
Member Bob Nuelle sent images of Sphingicampa bicolor and Sphingicampa bisecta from St. Martin's Parish, taken July 2, 2005.
Non-member Don Griffith of Livingston Parish, not far from Baton Rouge, sent the image below of an Antheraea polyphemus female, taken March 1, 2006.
Vernon also indicates at least five broods for Actias luna with the first peak in late March and the final peak in mid September.
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