Automeris patagoniensis - Hodges#7749.2
Automeris patagoniensis
This record describes Automeris patagoniensis (species). Recorded family: Saturniidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Automeris patagoniensis - Hodges#7749.2 (Automeris patagoniensis) is a species in the family Saturniidae, commonly known as giant silkworm and royal moths, belonging to the order Lepidoptera (Butterflies and Moths). It is classified within the subfamily Hemileucinae, tribe Hemileucini, superfamily Bombycoidea. This species belongs to the genus Automeris. Size: Forewing length: ♂ 24-27 mm. ♀ 26-30 mm.. Found in 4500-5100' elevation.. Active during The records of collected adults are from July to early August..
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera (Butterflies and Moths)
- Superfamily
- Bombycoidea
- Family
- Saturniidae (Giant Silkworm and Royal Moths)
- Subfamily
- Hemileucinae
- Tribe
- Hemileucini
- Genus
- Automeris
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
4500-5100' elevation.
Geographic Range
Southern Arizona where they are limited to the Huachuca and Patagonia Mountains (probably ranges into Mexico). ,
Seasonal Activity
The records of collected adults are from July to early August.
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Larval hosts include Cynodon dactylon (Bermuda grass) and Poa sp. (bluegrass)
About Butterflies and Moths: the wider group
Order-level background for Lepidoptera, the group containing Automeris patagoniensis. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Lepidoptera includes approximately 180,000 described species of butterflies and moths. Moths outnumber butterflies roughly 10:1. The monarch butterfly's eastern population has declined by more than 80% since the mid-1990s, and the western population by over 95% since the 1980s. The IUCN lists the migratory monarch as Vulnerable.
Ecological role of the group
Butterflies and moths are essential indicators of ecosystem health. As caterpillars, they are a primary food source for birds - a single nest of blue tit chicks requires ~10,000 caterpillars. Adult moths pollinate many night-blooming plants.
Economic and practical significance of the group
Lepidoptera are critical pollinators. In Europe, grassland butterfly species have declined by almost 50% since the early 1990s. In the UK, three-quarters of butterflies are in decline. In the U.S., five butterfly species have gone extinct since 1950, with 29 listed as endangered.
Recorded sources for this group: IUCN Red List, Xerces Society, USFWS, PNAS, WWF. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Automeris patagoniensis - Hodges#7749.2 (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Maury J. Heiman
Frequently Asked Questions About Automeris patagoniensis - Hodges#7749.2
What is Automeris patagoniensis - Hodges#7749.2?
Automeris patagoniensis - Hodges#7749.2 (Automeris patagoniensis) is a species in the family Saturniidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
How big is Automeris patagoniensis - Hodges#7749.2?
Forewing length: ♂ 24-27 mm. ♀ 26-30 mm.
Where is Automeris patagoniensis - Hodges#7749.2 found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | 4500-5100' elevation. |
| Range | Southern Arizona where they are limited to the Huachuca and Patagonia Mountains (probably ranges into Mexico). |
What does Automeris patagoniensis - Hodges#7749.2 eat?
The diet of the Automeris patagoniensis - Hodges#7749.2 includes Larval hosts include Cynodon dactylon (Bermuda grass) and Poa sp. (bluegrass).
When is Automeris patagoniensis - Hodges#7749.2 active?
Automeris patagoniensis - Hodges#7749.2: seasonal activity - The records of collected adults are from July to early August..