DISTRIBUTION:

Pseudautomeris marceli (wingspan: males: 69 (TS)-75mm; females: // forewing length: males: 35-37; females: ) flies in
eastern Ecuador: Zamora-Chinchipe; Orellana; and probably Napo: Misahualli (TS); at elevations from (300 TS)-530-1270m.

This moth is similar to but larger than the quite similar P. irenarmirene which has been revised to full species status. Both moths have a forewing median area that is noticeably lighter than the basal and postmedian areas. The forewing am line and the darker inner edge of the cell tend to be quite straight, distinct and perpendicular to the inner margin.

I believe marceli is slightly larger than arminirene (male forewing length: 32-34mm) and has a lighter median field as in the image directly below, which I originally determined to be P. irene arminirene which now has full species staus as P. arminirene.

Pseudautomeris marceli male, 69mm, Puerto Misahualli, Napo, Ecuador,
October, 2003, 400m, courtesy of Terry Stoddard, id by Bill Oehlke.

Pseudautomeris marceli male?? (possibly marceli), 74mm, Misahualli, Napo, Ecuador,
October, 2003, 400m, courtesy of Terry Stoddard, id by Bill Oehlke.

FLIGHT TIMES AND PREFERRED FOOD PLANTS:

This moth has been taken in February and July suggesting at least two broods annually. There may also be an October flight. There are probably additional flight months. Larval hosts are unknown.

ECLOSION, SCENTING AND MATING:

Females extend a scent gland from the tip of the abdomen to call in the night-flying males. Most male activity probably occurs in the two hours before midnight.

Pseudautomeris irene arminirene female?? (possibly marceli), 85mm, Rio Taputini, Orellana, Ecuador,
October, 2001, 300m, courtesy of Terry Stoddard, tentative id by Bill Oehlke.

EGGS, LARVAE, COCOONS AND PUPAE:

Pseudautomeris marceli larvae are probably similar to Automeris and other Pseudautomeris larvae, being gregarious and having urticating spines.

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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The species name, marceli is honourific of Marcel Kaech, Horst Kaech's younger brother.

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