DISTRIBUTION:

The Automeris patagoniensis moth (wingspan 56-70 mm) flies in the Patagonia Mountains of southern Arizona and seems limited to that mountain range. It is difficult to distinguish patagoniensis from A. colenon of Mexico, but colenon have more prominent dorsal and ventral matriculations. Colenon have a yellow ventral ground colour while patagoniensis tend to a dull orange-brown.

FLIGHT TIMES AND PREFERRED FOOD PLANTS:

Patagoniensis moths are on the wing from mid July until early August.

Larvae feed on grasses, Poa and Cynodon dactylon.

Jurgen Vanhoudt reports rearing success on Indocalamus (bamboo species).

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. The moths come in to lights in the early morning from 1:30 until 5:00 am suggesting pairing probably starts around 2:00 am.

EGGS, LARVAE, COCOONS AND PUPAE:

Eggs are deposited in clusters and larvae are highly gregarious.

Urticating spines offer the Automeris patagoniensis larvae much protection. There are two colour morphs in the final instar. Some larvae are pinkish brown while others are green.

Automeris patagoniensis third instar, Arizona, courtesy of Leroy Simon.

Automeris patagoniensis fourth instar, Arizona, courtesy of Leroy Simon.

Automeris patagoniensis fifth instar, Arizona, courtesy of Leroy Simon.

Automeris patagoniensis, copyright protected, courtesy of Kirby Wolfe.

Automeris patagoniensis cocoons and pupae, Arizona,
courtesy of Jurgen Vanhoudt.

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.

Cynadon dactylon....... Indocalamus (JV) Poa

Bermuda grass Bamboo Broad grasses

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