DISTRIBUTION:

the Automeris submacula moth (wingspan: males: 72-88mm; females: 73-93mm) flies in
Brazil: Sao Paulo, Parana (CM), Rio Grande do Sul;
Paraguay: (Guaira and Paraguari (CL)), (Canindeyu, Alto Parana, Cordillera, Caaguazu (UD)), and possibly (Caazapa, and Itapua (WO?); and
Bolivia: Chuquisaca and Santa Cruz; in savannas and dry woodlands at elevations of 800 - 2100 m.

I would not be surprised if it is also found in northeastern Argentina: Misiones and Corrientes, although Lemaire indicates it has a disjunct distribution.

Note the narrow pale blue ring around the iris in the hindwing eyespot.

Automeris submacula male, Paraguay courtesy/copyright Ulf Drechsel

FLIGHT TIMES AND PREFERRED FOOD PLANTS:

Specimens have been taken in September-October-November-December.

Larvae can be fed on Robinia pseudoacacia.

Automeris submacula female, Cordillera (Bolivia), G. Lecourt

Automeris submacula female, Tobati, Cordillera, Paraguay, courtesy of Sergio Rios.

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 submacula male, Paraguay, courtesy of Chris Conlan.

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.

Automeris submacula final instar on bamboo, Paraguay, courtesy of Chris Conlan.

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.

Robinia pseudoacacia........ Bamboo (CC)

False acacia Bamboo (CC)

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