Automeris cecrops pamina
Neumoegen, 1882
Automeris cecrops pamina is a of giant silk in the Saturniidae, occurring in southwestern North America and Middle America. As a member of the Automeris , possess distinctive eyespots on the hindwings used for defense. The caterpillars bear urticating spines capable of delivering a painful sting. This subspecies represents the western portion of the broader Automeris cecrops .
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Automeris cecrops pamina: /ˌɔː.toʊˈmɛr.ɪs ˈsiː.krɒps pæˈmaɪ.nə/
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Identification
Distinguished from other Automeris by geographic range (southwestern North America and Middle America) and subtle wing pattern differences. The specific eyespot configuration and forewing mottling pattern separate it from the nominate A. c. cecrops of the eastern United States. Males identified by large, bipectinate ; females by smaller, simpler antennae and larger body size.
Habitat
Associated with wooded and riparian where plants occur. Larval habitat includes various trees, vines, and shrubs. frequently encountered near vegetation used for mating and oviposition.
Distribution
Recorded from Middle America and southwestern North America. The represents the western and southern range of the Automeris cecrops complex, distinct from the eastern nominate subspecies.
Seasonality
Single per year throughout most of range. emerge in spring with warming temperatures, coinciding with leaf flush on plants. Overwinters as pupa within cocoon.
Diet
Larvae feed on leaves of diverse woody plants. Specific records for this are limited, but related utilize oaks (Quercus), Erythrina, and various other trees and shrubs.
Host Associations
- Quercus - larval food plantprimary
- Erythrina - larval food plantsecondary
Life Cycle
Complete with single . deposited in clusters on plant leaves. Larvae progress through multiple instars, dramatically increasing in size. Final instar spins silken cocoon attached to vegetation, incorporating leaf material. Pupal lasts through winter. emerge in spring, do not feed, and live briefly to mate and oviposit.
Behavior
are primarily . Males use large, feathery to detect female over considerable distances. When threatened, adults display hindwing eyespots in a startle response. Caterpillars are solitary feeders. Mating pairs may remain coupled for extended periods.
Ecological Role
Larvae function as herbivores, consuming leaf tissue of diverse woody plants. serve as prey for birds, bats, and other ; eyespot defense and larval stinging spines represent anti- adaptations. Contributes to nutrient cycling through herbivory and as food source for higher .
Human Relevance
Caterpillar stings can cause painful, persistent reactions in humans; medical attention may be needed for severe allergic responses. are spectacular and sought-after by naturalists and photographers. Like other giant silk moths, vulnerable to introduced agents.
Similar Taxa
- Automeris cecrops cecropsEastern nominate ; distinguished by geographic separation and subtle wing pattern differences
- Automeris ioRelated North American with similar eyespot defense and stinging caterpillars; distinguished by range and specific wing patterns
- Automeris metzliNeotropical with comparable caterpillar and defensive adaptations; distribution
More Details
Conservation concern
of Automeris and related giant silk moths have declined regionally due to loss and by the introduced tachinid fly Compsilura concinnata, originally imported for gypsy moth control.
Taxonomic note
Originally described as Hyperchiria pamina; later transferred to Automeris. The Automeris cecrops is currently treated as polytypic with multiple across its range.