DISTRIBUTION:

The Automeris complicata moth (wingspan: males: 58-68mm; females: 80-90mm) flies in northern Venezuela at elevations up to 2000m.

FLIGHT TIMES AND PREFERRED FOOD PLANTS:

Specimens have been taken in February-March-April-May, and August-September-October.

Larvae possibly feed on Bauhinia forficata, Citrus, Lagerstroemia indica, Passiflora, Prunus triflora, Psidium guajava, Pyrus communis, Spartium junceum, Tipuana speciosa and Wisteria sinensis.

ECLOSION, SCENTING AND MATING:

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

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

Listed below are primary food plant(s) and alternate food plants listed in Stephen E. Stone's Foodplants of World Saturniidae. 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.

Bauhinia forficata Citrus Lagerstroemia indica........ Passiflora Prunus triflora Psidium guajava Pyrus communis Spartium junceum Tipuana speciosa Wisteria sinensis

Kanchan Citrus Crapemyrtle Passionflower Cherry Common guava Pear Spanish broom Tipuana speciosa Chinese wisteria

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