Hylesia nanus
Common NameHylesia nanus
Scientific NameHylesia nanus
FamilySaturniidae
SubfamilyHemileucinae
Wingspan (mm)35
Primary Colorsreddish-brown, dark brown, cream
HabitatTropical and subtropical forests, forest edges
Geographic RangeCentral and South America (e.g., Brazil, Peru, Bolivia, Ecuador, Colombia)
Host PlantsVarious broadleaf trees and shrubs
Flight PeriodYear-round in tropical regions (multivoltine)
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are gregarious and, along with adult females, possess urticating hairs that can cause dermatitis upon contact. Females lay eggs in clusters.
Identification TipsDistinguished by its reddish-brown cryptic coloration, the dark, somewhat heart-shaped central patch on the forewings, and the small, pale discal spot. Males have prominent bipectinate antennae.
Description
A medium-sized moth with reddish-brown forewings featuring a prominent dark central patch and a small, pale discal spot on each wing, providing cryptic camouflage against tree bark.
