DISTRIBUTION:

Gamelia abahiana (wingspan: males: 42mm; females: // forewing length: males: 21-24mm; females: ) flies in
Brazil: Bahia: near Camacan; at elevations from 200-750m.

The forewing apex is scarcely produced, giving the forewing, with its convex outer margin and curved costa a somewhat rounded appearance. The slightly pre-apical pm line is slightly concave, meeting the inner margin about 1/4 of its distance from the anal angle. Ground colour is rather uniform reddish brown, darker (almost black) in the basal area, with little contrast in the subterminal area.

The small circular forewing ocellus, outlined in black, has a dull yellow-grey appearance without internal marks.

The upper third of the hindwing, from the body along the costa to the apex, is lighter and brighter than the remaining area.

This moth belongs to the Gamelia abasia Group.

FLIGHT TIMES AND PREFERRED FOOD PLANTS:

Specimens have been taken in February, April, July-August, October. Gamelia abahiana larvae probably feed on Common guava (Psidium guajava).

ECLOSION, SCENTING AND MATING:

Females extend a scent gland from the tip of their abdomens to "call" the males. Males use their antennae to hone in on the airbourne pheromone.

EGGS, LARVAE, COCOONS AND PUPAE:

Larvae resemble Automeris species with their numerous urticating body spines. Larvae are gregarious.

The species name, abahiana, is selected to indicate a presence in Bahia, Brazil.

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.

Psidium guajava .......

Common guava

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