DISTRIBUTION:

The Automeris jivaros moth (wingspan: males: 56-64mm; females: 74mm) flies in
south-central Ecuador: Loja and probably Zamora Chinchipe (confimned in ESs) and in
northwestern Peru in the West Andean region in dry Andean forests at elevations of 1560-2000 m.

Automeris jivaros males, Loja (Ecuador)

The abdomen is black with beige tufts (sometimes beige rings). The forewing pm line is dark, pronounced and very slightly preapical.

Forewing basal area is dark brown with median area almost concolourous but slightly lighter. The post median area is much lighter beige with an almost white suffusion along the outer edge of the almost straight black pm line.

Visit Automeris cecrops Group Comparison Plate: Ecuador for thumbnail images and notes on all the Automeris species found in Ecuador that belong in the Automeris cecrops Group.

FLIGHT TIMES AND PREFERRED FOOD PLANTS:

Automeris jivaros larvae probably feed on Robinia species. Rodolphe Rougerie has reared them on Acacia dealbata.

Automeris jivaros female, Loja, Ecuador, courtesy/copyright Luigi Racheli.

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 jivaros male, courtesy of Rodolphe Rougerie.

EGGS, LARVAE, COCOONS AND PUPAE: