DISTRIBUTION:

The Automeris melmon moth (wingspan: males: 48-56mm; females: 61mm) flies in
western and central Mexico: Sinaloa, Jalisco, Michoacan, Distrito Federal as a montane species, flying at elevation up to 2000m.

Pink hairs on the upper surface of the abdomen and a more elongate forewing help to distinguish this species.

Based on Lemaire's description, the three males on this page from BOLD Systems are more likely A. melmon.

Automeris dandemon, (probably melmon), male, Mexico, BOLD Systems.

Automeris dandemon, (probably melmon), male, Mexico, BOLD Systems.

Automeris dandemon, (probably melmon), male, Mexico, BOLD Systems.

FLIGHT TIMES AND PREFERRED FOOD PLANTS:

Moths are on the wing in July and August.

Automeris melmon larvae likely feed on willows and oaks.

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.

EGGS, LARVAE, COCOONS, AND PUPAE:

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

Urticating spines offer the Automeris melmon larvae much protection.

Listed below are the primary and alternate food plants listed in Stephen E. Stone's Foodplants of World Saturniidae. 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.

Quercus....... Salix

Oak Willow

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