DISTRIBUTION:

Automerina (Automerina) chiquisaltana moth (wingspan: males: 42-45mm; females: 60-62mm) flies in
Bolivia: Chuquisaca (1600m); Santa Cruz (550m); and
Argentina: Salta (910m); Jujuy (1180m). The species name is indicative of specimen collecting locations: Chuquisaca, Bolivia and Salta, Argentina.

Fresher specimens are usually browner. Note line of outer margin moving away from the body as it moves toward the anal angle. The male apex is only very slightly produced or perhaps has that appearanace due to slight indentation just below the apex.

FLIGHT TIMES AND PREFERRED FOOD PLANTS:

Moths have been taken in March, July, November. There are probably additional flight months.

Automerina cypria male, 45mm, Calilegua, Jujuy, Argentina,
November 17, 2009, 750m, courtesy of Nigel Venters,
tentative id by Bill Oehlke; large stated wing span has prompted investigation,
on my home computer only, wing span may be in error (yes, should be 45mm).

Automerina cypria male (verso), 45mm, Calilegua, Jujuy, Argentina,
November 17, 2009, 750m, courtesy of Nigel Venters,
tentative id by Bill Oehlke; large stated wing span has prompted investigation,
on my home computer only, wing span may be in error.

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. Host plant might be one of the sumac species.

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.

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