DISTRIBUTION:

Automeris margaritae (wingspan: males: 62 (ESS) -69-70mm; females: 75-87mm) flies in
Bolivia: Cochabamba; and possibly Chuquisaca and Tarija; and
Peru: Puno; and possibly
Argentina: Salta: Santa Victoria, (probably A. moenchorum in Argentina); and is endemic of the medium to high elevations of the Andean region from southern Peru to Bolivia, preferring humid Andean forests (1500-2900 m).

Entomo Satsphingia journals confirm a presence in Cochabamba, Bolivia. Perhaps it is replaced by similar, recently described species in other areas.

Automeris margaritae male, Paraje Vallecito, Santa Victoria, Salta, Argentina,
(probably A. moenchorum), November 29, 2012, 1674m, courtesy of Biologist and Professor Joaquín Carreras.

FLIGHT TIMES AND PREFERRED FOOD PLANTS:

Moths are on the wing in January-February, April-May and October-November(JC- probably moenchorum)-December.

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 margaritae?? female.

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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Automeris margaritae male, 62mm, Cochabamba, Bolivia,
on my home computer only.