Agapema dyari

Distinguished from other Agapema species by smaller size and more restricted geographic range. A. galbina occurs further west and has more yellowish ground coloration. A. anona overlaps partially in range but is larger with more contrasting wing patterns. A. dyari is the only Agapema species reliably recorded from the Chihuahuan Desert proper. Genitalia examination may be required for definitive identification where ranges approach.

Adults have a wingspan of approximately 35–50 mm, making this one of the smaller Agapema species. Forewings are gray-brown with darker transverse lines and a prominent eyespot near the apex. Hindwings are lighter with a similar eyespot pattern. The body is densely scaled and relatively robust. Antennae are strongly bipectinate in males, less so in females. Wing margins are slightly scalloped.

Chihuahuan Desert scrub, desert grasslands, and arid foothill canyons. Associated with rocky slopes and washes where host plants occur. Elevation range approximately 900–1800 m.

Southwestern United States (southern New Mexico, western Texas) and adjacent northern Mexico (Chihuahua, Coahuila, possibly Durango). Records are concentrated in the Trans-Pecos region of Texas and south-central New Mexico.

Adults have been recorded from July to September, with peak activity in August. Single-brooded; larvae likely active from spring through early summer.

• Condalia ericoides - larval hostJavelina bush; primary documented host in Texas
• Condalia spathulata - larval hostKnifeleaf condalia; recorded in New Mexico

Eggs are laid on host plant stems or leaves. Larvae feed externally on foliage, progressing through five instars. Pupation occurs in a silken cocoon spun among host plant branches or in leaf litter. Adults emerge following summer rains; diapause as pupae may extend through dry years.

Adults are nocturnal and attracted to light. Males are active fliers and presumably locate females via pheromones. Adults do not feed. Larvae are solitary feeders.

Larvae function as specialist herbivores on Condalia shrubs. Adults serve as prey for bats and nocturnal birds. Pupae may be parasitized by ichneumonid wasps, though specific records are lacking.

Occasionally attracted to artificial light in rural areas. Not of economic importance. Of interest to lepidopterists due to restricted range and habitat specificity.

• Agapema galbinaOverlaps in general region but occurs in more mesic habitats; larger with more yellowish coloration.
• Agapema anonaLarger species with bolder wing patterning; occurs in grassland and woodland transition zones rather than true desert scrub.
• Saturnia walterorumSimilar size and gray coloration, but has more rounded wings and lacks the distinct transverse line pattern of Agapema.

• desert endemic
• specialist herbivore
• single-brooded
• nocturnal

• BugGuide
• iNaturalist taxon