DISTRIBUTION:

Automeris amanda amandojunica (approximate wingspan: males: 78-91mm; females: 102-111mm // forewing length: males: 40-47mm; females: 53-57) flies in
Peru: Pasco: Oxapampa, collected by Jose Boettger, 2003-08-01;
Peru: Pasco, 1999-06-15;
Peru: Junin (HT): Calabaza, 1999-05-01.

Based on examination of 24 specimens of amandojunica (mfwl: 40-47mm), this subspecies is, on average, slightly larger than the nominate subspecies (mfwl: 39-45mm), and like the other recently described subspecies Automeris amanda amandocuscoensis, it has a lighter brighter ground colour compared to the nominate subspecies.

The hindwing ocellus is relatively large with a broad, black outer ring.

There are other differences between the same-sized, recently described subspecies, Automeris amanda amandocuscoensis which has a slightly smaller hindwing ocellus with a narrower black outer ring and a smaller, rounder pupil (that of amandojunica is more elongate). There is less white speckling, outlining the ocelli of A. amanda amandojuinca compared to the greater speckling outlining the pupil in a. amanda amandocuscoensis).

Automeris amanda amanda male ?? (probably A. amandojunica, Satipo, Junin, Peru,
1200m, courtesy of Philippe Brems, tentative id by Bill Oehlke.

I think the moth displayed above from Satipo may be an undescribed subspecies. The forewing pm line seems to be too preapical to be amanda, and there is less orange in the hindwing post median areas than I would expect for amanda. The hindwing subterminal band is also "strange", much thicker and even than in other specimens.

Automeris amanda limpida ?? (probably amanda amandojunica), male, Rio Venado, Junin, Peru,
January 19, 2007, 1050m, courtersy of Vladimir Izersky, tentative id by Bill Oehlke.

Automeris amanda limpida ?? (probably amanda amandojunica), female, Rio Sapani, Ucayali, Peru,
October 29, 2008, 350m, courtersy of Vladimir Izersky, tentative id by Bill Oehlke.

Automeris amanda amandojunica male (aberration), Pasco, Peru,
courtesy of Eric van Schayck, id by Bill Oehlke.

FLIGHT TIMES AND PREFERRED FOOD PLANTS:

Specimens have been taken in May-June and August. There may also be flights in other months.

ECLOSION, SCENTING AND MATING:

Males use their more highly developed antennae to seek out females who release an airbourne pheromone into the night sky.

Automeris amanda amandojunica female, Pasco, Peru, courtesy of Eric van Schayck,
id by Bill oehlke.

EGGS, LARVAE, COCOONS AND PUPAE:

Eggs are deposited in clusters of 6-40+ on hostplant twigs. Larvae have urticating spines and are gregarious, especially in the early instars.

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 is indicative of a close similarity to A. amanda and a specimen type in Junin, Peru. Return to Main Index

Return to Automeris Genus

Automeris amanda amandojunica male, 90mm, Junin, Peru,
on my home computer only.

Automeris amanda amandojunica female, 111mm, Pasco, Peru,
on my home computer only.