Metzli's Automeris
Common NameMetzli's Automeris
Scientific NameAutomeris metzli
FamilySaturniidae
SubfamilyHemileucinae
Wingspan (mm)75
Wing Patterneyespot
Primary Colorsbrown, red, black, yellow
HabitatTropical and subtropical forests, woodlands
Geographic RangeMexico to northern South America (e.g., Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Peru)
Host PlantsQuercus, Salix, Acacia, Erythrina, Ficus
Flight PeriodYear-round in tropical regions
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesUndergoes complete metamorphosis; larvae are often spiny and polyphagous, pupating in a loose cocoon in leaf litter. Adults are short-lived and do not feed.
Identification TipsDistinguished by its dull brown forewings and the prominent hindwing eyespots, which have a black pupil with a white/blue center, a yellow ring, and a wide red outer band.
Description
A medium-sized moth with cryptic, mottled brown forewings that conceal vibrant hindwings featuring large, striking black eyespots ringed with yellow and a broad red band.
