Automeris io

[coloradeo]

Hi all, I just pulled a couple Automeris io off the spreading board that I caught in Lee County Florida in late November this year. I was surprised by the strong brown/orange cast to the wings and also the variation in both the discal spot (top one dark and pronounced, bottom barely visible) and the pupils of the eyespots on the hindwings. I guess A. io is pretty variable as these look nothing like the yellow specimens I have from other locales? Thoughts appreciated. Thanks, Eric

[Deleted]

I think they are A. io lilith. Some feel this is form lilith and not a ssp.

[exoticimports]

A. io is extremely variable even within a population. I find this is particularly so with the females.

Chuck

[leptraps]

I collected larvae several times in the Florida Keys. I was searching for the larvae of Polygonus leo on Jamaican Fish Poison (a small tree) when I found Automeris io larvae and lots of them. I also found Polygonia leo larvae. Polygonia leo larvae fold the leaves and make a tent like shelter.

Automerius io is considered a pest on ornimentals in south Florida. A European oak (I think it is found all around the Mediterranean sea.) was planted on tree lawns. A. polyphemus, Anisota virginiensis and A. io were considered a pests. When you found frass on the side walks, just check the trees.

I have A. io from south Florida that are typical A. io to brown, green and almost black forewings. Amazing creatures for a pest.

I planted Aristolochia vines to attract Battus polydamus to my yard only to have the vines covered with A. io larvae.

[coloradeo]

Thanks for the comments. Appreciate being pointed to the "lilith" form.