DISTRIBUTION:

The Automeris annulata (wingspan: males: 58-77mm; females: 67-90mm) flies in
Guyana: Mazaruni-Potaro, Omai;
French Guiana: Fleuve L'Oyapok, Sauts Kanouri, Saint-Jean-du-Maroni, Saul, Coralie;
Venezuela: Bolivar, Territorio Federal Amazonas; and
Brazil: Para.
It probably also flies in Surinam.

Racheli and Racheli, 2005 report it in
Ecuador: Napo and Pastaza. Horst Kach reports it in Lumbaqui, Sucumbios.

Several new species have recently been described from Ecuador, and I think that Automeris ecuata and Automeris parecuata probably replace A. annulata in Ecuador. The male forewing is very falcate and the abdomen is black and is usually ringed with gray. The antemedial and postmedial (right to the pointed apex) lines almost converge along the inner margin.

It is usually taken at lower elevations: 105-400m.

FLIGHT TIMES AND PREFERRED FOOD PLANTS:

Moths are on the wing in January, March-April-May-June, suggestng at least two broods. Larvae feed on Robinia pseudoacacia in captivity. Horst Kach is rearing them (probably A. ecuata) in Ecuador of Inga vera and Acacia motilon.

Automeris annulata male, Regina, French Guiana,
February 27, 2006, courtesy of Alex Cahurel.

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.

EGGS, LARVAE, COCOONS AND PUPAE:

Eggs are green and are deposited in mass, often in rings or strings around or on twigs. Larvae are gregarious, especially in the early instars.

Urticating spines offer the Automeris larvae much protection.

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.

Acacia motilon Inga vera Robinia pseudoacacia......

Acacia motilon River koko/Pan chock Black locust/False acacia

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The pronunciation of scientific names is troublesome for many. The "suggestion" at the top of the page is merely a suggestion. It is based on commonly accepted English pronunciation of Greek names and/or some fairly well accepted "rules" for latinized scientific names.

The suggested pronunciations, on this page and on other pages, are primarily put forward to assist those who hear with internal ears as they read.

There are many collectors from different countries whose intonations and accents would be different.

I am not aware of the source for Automeris, but annulata probably refers to the rings on the abdomen.