DISTRIBUTION:

The Automeris beutelspacheri moth (wingspan: males: 58-72mm; females: 74-80mm) flies in southwestern Mexico: Oaxaca. This species is named after Dr. Carlos R. Beutelspacher.

FLIGHT TIMES AND PREFERRED FOOD PLANTS:

Moths are on the wing in June-July and again in October-November-December. Males seem to fly around 10:00 pm.

Larvae have been reared on Robinia pseudoacacia.

Automeris beutelspacheri male, on my home computer only.

ECLOSION, SCENTING AND MATING:

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

Activity occurs most frequently between 10:00 pm until shortly after midnight.

Automeris beutelspacheri male, on my home computer only.

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. Mature larvae are very similar to A. daudiana.

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.

Robinia pseudoacacia.......

False acacia

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