DISTRIBUTION:

Eudyaria venata (wingspan: males: 84-97mm; females: 104-108mm) flies in
Argentina: Buenos Aires, and possibly Entre Rios, Corrientes and Misiones; and
Paraguay: possibly ?? Itapua and
Brazil: Goias; Minas Gerais: Itanhandu (LV), Parana (CM).

Eudyaria venata male, Itanhandu, Minas Gerais, Brazil,
February 13, 2013, courtesy of Larry Valentine,
id and slight digital repair by Bill Oehlke.

The elongate forewing has a convex outer margin. Veins are strong. Females are darker than males. Note narrow and pale white (lighter) line connecting M3 and M2 at the outer edge of the forewing cell. In the image above it appears more like a break in the black line of the outer cell vein.

Eudyaria venata male, Itanhandu, Minas Gerais, Brazil,
February 13, 2013, courtesy of Larry Valentine,
id and slight digital repair by Bill Oehlke.

The above image really helped me with id as it shows the almost straight line of the hindwing costa as well as the black abdomen.

Eudyaria venata male, Itanhandu, Minas Gerais, Brazil,
February 13, 2013, courtesy of Larry Valentine,
id and slight digital repair by Bill Oehlke.

Of course, it is always helpful to see the antennae and legs.

FLIGHT TIMES AND PREFERRED FOOD PLANTS:

Specimens have been taken February (LV)-March-April and also in October, suggesting at least two broods.

Ryan Saint Laurent has sent an image from the Cornell University Collection with a November collection date. The specimen is quite small (72mm wingspan) and might be a different, undescribed as yet (2013) species.

Larvae feed on Eryngium agavifolium.

Eryngium agavifolium, courtesy KENPEL via Wikimedia Commons

The plant looks like leaves are thick and might be tough. Rearing larvae on this host could present some challenges. I think I would look for a small wild plant, transplant it to a large pot and bring it home, and then look for larvae, either in the wild or on the transplant. A square screen cover would hopefully protect larvae from predation, escape or parasites.

I do not know if the serated leaf edges and their tips are sharp or are just meant to look that way!

Eudyaria venata female, courtesy of Eric van Schayck.

Eudyaria venata?? female, 72 mm (very small), Argentina, November 28,
Cornell University Collection, courtesy of Ryan Saint Laurent.

ECLOSION, SCENTING AND MATING:

Females extend a scent gland from the tip of the abdomen. Males use highly developed antennae to track the airbourne pheromone to locate the females. The black antennae suggest this species might have males that fly in the day time. I will have to ask Larry when the moth appeared.

EGGS, LARVAE, COCOONS AND PUPAE:

Eggs are deposited in large clusters and larvae are highly gregarious.

Urticating spines offer the Eudyaria venata larvae much protection.

In the final instar larvae have a dark brown head, with black integument and legs. Short spines are pale green.

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.

Eryngium agavifolium ........

Eryngium agavifolium

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