Automeris louisiana
Ferguson & Brou, 1981
Louisiana eyed silkmoth
Automeris louisiana, the Louisiana eyed , is a of giant silkmoth in the . It is to North America and was described by Ferguson and Brou in 1981. Like other members of the Automeris, are characterized by prominent on the used for deterrence. The species has been subject to a petition for listing under the U.S. , with a status review initiated in 2011.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Automeris louisiana: //ˌɔːtəˈmɛrɪs luˌiːziˈænə//
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Identification
Distinguished from other Automeris by geographic distribution centered on Louisiana and adjacent Gulf Coast regions, combined with specific pattern elements. The configuration and coloration differ from the more widespread Automeris io (Io ), which has declined in parts of its range. Accurate identification may require examination of or molecular markers. The MONA/Hodges number 7749.1 provides a standardized reference for North .
Images
Appearance
possess large, rounded with cryptic brownish that provide against vegetation. When disturbed, the reveals striking bearing large, circular resembling vertebrate . These eyespots typically feature concentric rings of color. The body is and densely scaled. are feathery in males and less so in females. , where known from , bear urticating along the and sides that deliver upon contact.
Habitat
Associated with forested and wooded in the Gulf Coastal Plain. Specific requirements and microhabitat preferences have not been documented in detail.
Distribution
to North America, with core distribution in Louisiana and adjacent Gulf Coast states. Records indicate presence in the southeastern United States.
Behavior
are and attracted to light. When resting, cryptic conceal the -bearing . Upon disturbance, the flashes its hindwings to startle potential —a documented in and inferred for this based on -level traits. Adults do not feed; , where known from related species, are folivorous.
Ecological Role
, when present, function as consuming foliage of plants. serve as for including bats and birds. The display represents an anti-predator that may influence predator and learning.
Human Relevance
Subject to a 2011 petition for listing as threatened or endangered under the U.S. , with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service initiating a status review. The has limited observation records (49 iNaturalist observations as of source date), suggesting potential concern. Larval urticating , if present as in , could cause defensive to humans handling .
Similar Taxa
- Automeris ioOverlaps in eastern North America and shares defense strategy; differs in distribution, with A. io more widespread and historically abundant from New England to Great Plains, while A. louisiana is restricted to Gulf Coast. pattern and eyespot details differ.
- Automeris metzliNeotropical with similar larval including urticating ; distinguished by geographic range (Mexico to Ecuador and Trinidad) and different associations.
More Details
Conservation Status
A 90-day petition finding published in the Federal Register on September 27, 2011 (Volume 76, Number 187, Pages 59836-59862) found the petition to list Automeris louisiana as threatened or endangered to be substantial, initiating a status review. The limited number of observations (49 records in iNaturalist) suggests the may be rare or underdetected.
Taxonomic History
Described by Douglas C. Ferguson and V.A. Brou in 1981. The is assigned MONA/Hodges number 7749.1 in the North numbering system.