DISTRIBUTION:

The Automeris granulosa moth (wingspan 63-83mm, females larger than males) flies in
central and southwestern Brazil: Alagoas, Federal District, Goias, Mato Grosso, and probably in Mato Grosso do Sul, in Cerrado areas (savanna).

The image below indicates a range extension into
northern Paraguay: UD: Alto Paraguay, Boqueron and northern Presidente Hayes. I suspect it also flies in similar biotype in eastern Bolivia.

Automeris granulosa male, Boqueron, Paraguay, courtesy of Ulf Drechsel.

FLIGHT TIMES AND PREFERRED FOOD PLANTS:

Moths are on the wing in March and in September-October-November, and there are possibly other flights. Larvae feed on Erythroxylum tortuosum, Brysonima verbascifolia, Bauhinia and Erythroxylum anguifugm. Eurides Furtado reports them also on Vatairea macrocarpa and Chamaechrista in Mato Grosso.

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.

Automeris granulosa male courtesy of Thibaud Decaens.

Automeris granulosa female courtesy of Thibaud Decaens.

EGGS, LARVAE, COCOONS AND PUPAE:

Eggs are deposited in large clusters and larvae are highly gregarious.

Urticating spines offer the Automeris granulosa larvae, which pass through seven instars, much protection.

Photo courtesy of Leroy Simon.

The pupa is a yellow chestnut and is visible through the thin, double-walled cocoon. Development from oviposition to adult moth is approximately 88 days.

Automeris granulosa fifth instar, Brazil, courtesy of Leroy Simon.

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 Brysonima verbascifolia Chamaechrista Erythroxylum anguifugum....... Erythroxylum tortuosum Vatairea macrocarpa

Bauhinia Brysonima verbascifolia Chamaechrista Amargoso/Faveira Erythroxylum tortuosum Amargoso/Faveira

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