DISTRIBUTION:

The Automeris iguaquensis moth (wingspan: males: 65-73mm; females: probably larger) flies in eastern Colombia: Boyaca; at elevations between 2200 and 3000 m.

As of 2013, the Automeris alticola Group consists of the following species:

alticarchensis Ecuador: Carchi
alticola Ecuador: Napo
winbrechlini Ecuador: Loja
caucensis western Colombia; ?? Ecuador ??
doelfi Ecuador: Pichincha; Imbabura
huascari Ecuador: Morona Santiago
iguaquensis eastern Colombia
iwanowitschi Ecuador: Sucumbios; Napo
napoensis eastern Ecuador
papallactensis Ecuador: Napo
sachai Ecuador: Carchi

Visit Automeris alticola Group Comparison Plate

FLIGHT TIMES AND PREFERRED FOOD PLANTS:

Specimens have been taken in January-February-March-April.

Larval hosts are unknown.

ECLOSION, SCENTING AND MATING:

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

Automeris iguaquensis female, Cundinamarca, Colombia,
courtesy of Thibaud Decaens.

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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Male Automeris iguaquensis courtesy of Thibaud Decaëns.

Automeris iguaquensis pair, Cundinamarca, Colombia,
courtesy of Thibaud Decaens.