I have tentatively identified the female from oaxaca as A. suprema, largely based on small, slightly oblong cell mark (much larger in A. dissimilis), and less pre-apical forewing pm line (more pre-apical in dissimilis). The shape of the pm line and its less diffuse quality is, however, more characteristic of the images I have available for A. dissimilis. The specimen type for dissimilis is in Oaxaca, while the specimen type for A. suprema is in Veracruz. At one time A. suprema was considered a synonym of A. dissimilis.

It is almost impossible to get an accurate read on wingspan from a photo where the wings are at one level and the ruler is at a different, lower level. The camera angle tends to produce a larger than accurate reading on the ruler.

This site has been created by Bill Oehlke at oehlkew@islandtelecom.com
Comments, suggestions and/or additional information are welcomed by Bill.

TAXONOMY: Superfamily: Bombycoidea, Latreille, 1802 Family Saturniidae Boisduval, [1837] 1834 Subfamily: Ceratocampinae, Harris 1841 Genus: Anisota, Hübner, 1820 ("1816") Species: assimilis, (Druce, 1886)

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DISTRIBUTION:

Anisota suprema (wingspan: males: mm; females: mm // forewing length: males: females: 31mm) flies in Mexico: Veracruz; and possibly Oaxaca.

This moth is removed from synonymy with dissimilis by Brechlin & Meister, 2014. It tends to be slightly smaller than dissimilis, and suprema females have the white forewing cell marking with a diameter only one third to one half that of dissimilis. The forewing pm line is less pre-apical in suprema than in dissimilis.

Those specimens from Jalisco are more likely A. disjaliscana; specimens from the state of Mexico are more likely A. dismexicana; specimens from Veracruz are more likely A. suprema.

The male and female dissimilis have the largest, circular, forewing cell spots in this group of very similar species. A. suprema, at one time synonymized with dissimilis, has a less preapical forewing pm line and a significantly smaller white cell marking compared to dissimillis. The female dismexicana has a more preapical pm line, and a relatively large white cell mark that is more triangular than circular.

A. assimilis from Sonora, Mexico, has a smaller circular cell mark and a pm line that is lighter, more diffuse than in similar species, and the forewing ground colour is a much lighter yellowish brown.

FLIGHT TIMES AND PREFERRED FOOD PLANTS:

Moths are on the wing in May-June. Anisota assimilis larvae feed upon Quercus albocincta and Quercus grisea.

ECLOSION, SCENTING AND MATING:

Female Anisota assimilis have simple antennae.

EGGS, LARVAE AND PUPAE:

Translucent eggs are deposited in clusters on host foliage or twigs.

Early instar larvae are gregarious but divide into smaller groupings as they progress.

Larvae become more solitary as they move into final instar.

Larval Food Plants

It is hoped that this alphabetical listing followed by the common name of the anticipated foodplant will prove useful. The list is not exhaustive. Experimenting with closely related foodplants is worthwhile.

Quercus albocincta..... Quercus grisea

Oak Gray oak

The pronunciation of scientific names is troublesome for many. The "suggestion" at the top of the page is merely a suggestion. It is based on commonly accepted English pronunciation of Greek names and/or some fairly well accepted "rules" for latinized scientific names.

The suggested pronunciations, on this page and on other pages, are primarily put forward to assist those who hear with internal ears as they read.

There are many collectors from different countries whose intonations and accents would be different.

I do not know the reason for the species name "suprema".

I do not know the source of the genus name "Anisota".

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