DISTRIBUTION:

The Hemileuca mexicana moth (wingspan: males: 46-54mm; females: 59mm) flies in Distrito Federal and Tlaxala, Mexico. It, or a very similar species, may also fly in Belize: Cayo.

FLIGHT TIMES AND PREFERRED FOOD PLANTS:

Moths are on the wing in March, May, November-December, suggesting at least two broods annually.

Larval hosts are unknown.

ECLOSION, SCENTING AND MATING:

Eclosions probably take place in the morning with females calling from 9:00 am until 10:00 am.

EGGS, LARVAE, COCOONS AND PUPAE:

Eggs are probably laid in rings of 25-35 eggs/ring.

Pupation is in a shallow underground chamber or under loose debris.

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.

Return to Main Index

Return to Hemileuca Genus