Eacles

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Eacles: /ˈiː.æ.kliːz/

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Summary

Eacles is a Neotropical genus of at least 17 species with Eacles imperialis being the most widespread. This species displays significant color variation and has experienced population declines in certain regions, particularly in the northeastern US.

Physical Characteristics

The wingspan of adult Eacles imperialis ranges between 80 and 175 mm (3+1⁄8 and 6+7⁄8 inches). Adults are primarily yellow with red, brown, and purple blotches, showing a high variation in coloration. Larvae vary in color from orange with black transverse bands in the first instar to dark brown or green with white or yellow spiracle patches in the fifth instar.

Identification Tips

Males tend to be more heavily marked with red, brown, and purple blotches than females. Females are generally larger and more yellow overall.

Habitat

Eacles imperialis is associated with forest, rural, and suburban habitats, specifically preferring areas with host plants.

Distribution

Eacles imperialis ranges widely from the center of Argentina to southern Canada, appearing from the Rocky Mountains to the Atlantic Coast. Its presence in northeastern states has severely declined.

Diet

The larvae are polyphagous, feeding on various host plants including pine, oak, and maple species. Common host plants include Pinus (pines), Quercus (oaks), Acer (maples), Liquidambar styraciflua (sweet gum), and Sassafras albidum (sassafras).

Life Cycle

There is one brood per year, with adults emerging at different times depending on their geographic location. In northern regions, they typically emerge mid-summer (June–August), while southern regions see emergence from April to October.

Reproduction

Females lay eggs at dusk, typically singly or in small groups on host plant leaves. Eggs hatch within about ten days to two weeks, with newly hatched larvae consuming their egg shells.

Conservation Status

Eacles imperialis is experiencing regional declines in the northeastern US, with potential threats from pesticides, habitat fragmentation, and habitat specificity for northern populations.

Tags

• Lepidoptera
• Saturniidae
• Eacles
• imperial moth