The Automeris cryptica moth
(wingspan: males: 71-82mm; females: 81-91mm) flies in western
Colombia: Valle del Cauca at
moderate elevations (2200m).
FLIGHT TIMES AND PREFERRED FOOD PLANTS:
Specimens have
been taken in February-March-April-May, July-August and
October-November-December.
Larval hosts are unknown.
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
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.