DISTRIBUTION:

Gamelia paradargei (approximate wingspan: males: 58-64mm; females: 81mm // forewing length: males: 30-33mm; females: 42mm) flies in
Peru: Junin: Calabaza, Satipo; Pasco: Yapi, Oxapamapa; Ucayali: Bolognesi; at elevations from 200m-2520m.

This species is very similar to and sympatric with Gamelia dargei. Gamelia paradargei is brighter than dargei, and paradargei has a more brownish ground colour, a slightly sharper forewing apex and a larger (on average) hindwing ocellus, compared to dargei.

FLIGHT TIMES AND PREFERRED FOOD PLANTS:

Specimens have been taken in April, July, December. There are probably additional flight months. Gamelia paradargei larvae probably feed on Common guava (Psidium guajava).

Gamelia paradargei AT female, Calabaza. Junin, Peru,
December 27, 2010, 2520m, on my home computer only.

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, paradargei, is indicative of a very close similarity to G. dargei.

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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