Automeris from Ecuador--need ID help plz

[Deleted]

This male is from Ecuador and it has me totally baffled as to what it is. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

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[oehlkew]

Hi Bill,
I have just completed a section on some of the new Automeris species described from Mexico, and will be taking a look at the new ones from Ecuador shortly.
Often there are very similar yet different species/subspecies on different slopes (western or eastern) of the Andes. If you have a more precise location in Ecuador, that would probably help with id.
Also if you have wingspan, that might quickly reduce the number of possiblities.
Bill Oehlke

[Deleted]

Hi Bill....and thanks for answering. Sorry, but I don't yet own this moth as I got permission to use the photo to check the ID (if possible) prior to purchasing. I don't believe there is a more specific location than Ecuador and I don't have the wingspan. I can try to have the seller measure it for me.

[Deleted]

Bill O.,

As near as I can tell, the closest one (if the range applies) is

Automeris chacona chacona.

This is just my hypothesis based on appearances. I am newer into studying/collecting/focusing on this genus, but I love them. BTW-----in case I have not said so recently, I do love your website and use it all the time

[oehlkew]

In January 2012 I purchased the Entomo Satsphingia journals published by Brechlin and Meister for 2010 and 2011.
I had a look at the journals and did not see this moth. I looked at the
thumbnails that I had for Ecuador prior to the new species list and did not see it there either. I believe it belongs to chacona group.
Perhaps there will be more new Automeris covered in the 2012 journals which I intend to purchase or receive as a Christmas gift from spouse and children in December 2012. Perhaps by that time I will bedone processing
the new species described in 2010 and 2011, hundreds of them.

Thanks for your efforts.

Bill Oehlke

[Deleted]

Bill,

It is you who should be given thanks for your work and help with this. I'll label it as an A. chacona for now and keep my eyes open for clues to which ssp . it might be.

Thank you Bill