DISTRIBUTION:

The Automeris descimoni moth (wingspan: males: 48-64mm; females: 67mm) flies in
northern Peru: Cajamarca, Amazonas, San Martin, at elevations of 1700-1800m.

This species is very similar to A. incarnata but A. descimoni has a brick red hindwing submarginal band. It also has a dorsally red abdomin.

Ground colour can vary from light greyish-brown with greenish tinge or bright orange.

Automeris descimoni male, All Leps Barcode of Life.

FLIGHT TIMES AND PREFERRED FOOD PLANTS:

Moths are on the wing in January-February-March, July and September.

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 descimoni male, All Leps Barcode of Life.

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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