DISTRIBUTION:

Automeris silkae (wingspan: males: mm; females: mm) flies in
Costa Rica: Limon: Mount Kamuk, 9.5, -83.6667, 2008-06-01.

Determining Automeris species is becoming more and more difficult as there are a considerable number of very similar species, even some that are sympatric.

As of the end of 2011 there are now twelve Automeris species in the Egeus Group. I am hoping that the following keys on the Egeus Group Comparison Chart will help me and others with determinations. Location, wingspan, elevation can all be very helpful in making more accurate determinations. In some cases DNA barcoding analysis might be required to reach an accurate identification.

FLIGHT TIMES AND PREFERRED FOOD PLANTS:

Specimens have been taken in Costa Rica in June?? (Mirror)

ECLOSION, SCENTING AND MATING:

Males use their more highly developed antennae to seek out females who release an airbourne pheromone into the night sky.

Automeris silkae female, Limon, Costa Rica, courtesy of Kelly Price copyright, id by Bill Oehlke.

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 silkae male, Limon, Costa Rica,
on my home computer only.