Belt's Automeris
Common NameBelt's Automeris
Scientific NameAutomeris belti
FamilySaturniidae
SubfamilyHemileucinae
Wingspan (mm)80
Primary Colorsbrown, pink, yellow, black
HabitatTropical and subtropical forests, rainforests
Geographic RangeCentral America (Mexico to Panama)
Host PlantsQuercus, Acacia, Inga, Erythrina
Flight PeriodYear-round (multiple broods)
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are typically spiny and gregarious, feeding on various broadleaf trees and shrubs before pupating in a cocoon, often in leaf litter or underground.
Identification TipsDistinguished by its dull brown forewings that conceal vibrant hindwings with large, distinct black and yellow eyespots on a pinkish-red base, revealed as a defense mechanism.
Description
A large moth with cryptic mottled brown forewings and striking hindwings featuring prominent black eyespots ringed with yellow on a pinkish-red background.
