Hamata Eyed Silkmoth
Common NameHamata Eyed Silkmoth
Scientific NameAutomeris hamata
FamilySaturniidae
SubfamilyHemileucinae
Wingspan (mm)80
Wing Patterneyespot
Primary Colorsbrown, orange, black, yellow
HabitatTropical and subtropical forests, woodlands
Geographic RangeCentral America, South America (e.g., Mexico, Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Brazil)
Host PlantsQuercus, Salix, Robinia, various broadleaf trees and shrubs
Flight PeriodYear-round in tropical regions, multiple broods
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLike other Saturniidae, it undergoes complete metamorphosis: eggs hatch into spiny caterpillars, which feed on host plants before pupating in a cocoon, eventually emerging as the adult moth.
Identification TipsKey identification features include the distinct large black and yellow eyespots on the orange hindwings, visible when the moth is at rest or disturbed, and the overall reddish-brown furry body.
Description
This moth features cryptic brownish forewings with a darker discal spot, contrasting sharply with vibrant orange hindwings. Each hindwing displays a prominent black eyespot ringed with yellow and a small white pupil.
