DISTRIBUTION:

The Automeris praemargaritae moth (wingspan: males: 71-79mm; females: 81-87mm) flies in southwestern Venezuela at elevations of 1500-2300m. Bernhard Wenczel has taken this species at the specimen type locality in Venezuela: Valle de Merida.

This species is larger than A. margaritae and the undulating hw pm line of A. margaritae is much more evenly rounded in Automeris praemargaritae.

Automeris premargaritae male, Merida, venezuela,
on my home computer only.

FLIGHT TIMES AND PREFERRED FOOD PLANTS:

Specimens have been taken in February, June, August and December

Bernhard Wenczel reports rearing larvae on Salix in the lab.

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 praemargaritae larvae much protection. Image courtesy of Bernhard Wenczel. 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. Salix....... Willow Return to Main Index Return to Automeris Genus