Automeris io Aberration ??

Automeris io aberration, courtesy of Joel Szymczyk.

Joel writes, "coll. data, 11 May 2006, Cottonwood Al. male Automeris io. The large scale-less areas are more or less symmetrical, including the dusting of scales on the outer edges of the forewings.

"The head, thorax and abdomen do not appear to be lacking any scales, and the wing structures are not at all damaged. To me it does not appear as if the scales have been "rubbed off" or the wings abraded in any way. It flew in to a light at a gas station, and it didn't have any apparent injuries.

"Any opinions on if this is a mutant or if this is somehow environmental? "

My guess (Bill Oehlke) is that it is a failure of wing scales to develop either as a result of a natural genetic deformity or possible exposure to harsh cold at a critical time in development.

Use your browser "Back" button to return to the previous page.