White-stemmed Acacia Moth
Common NameWhite-stemmed Acacia Moth
Scientific NameAutomeris cecrops
FamilySaturniidae
SubfamilyHemileucinae
Wingspan (mm)70
Primary Colorsbrown, orange, black
HabitatTropical and subtropical forests, woodlands, disturbed areas
Geographic RangeCentral America
Host PlantsAcacia, Mimosa, Caesalpinia, Cassia, Robinia, Gleditsia
Flight PeriodYear-round in tropical regions
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are spiny and often green or brown, feeding gregariously on host plants. Pupation occurs in a loose cocoon on the ground or in leaf litter. Adults are nocturnal.
Identification TipsDistinguished by the combination of reddish-brown forewings with small ocelli and the vibrant reddish-orange hindwings with two distinct black bands. The bipectinate antennae in males are also characteristic.
Description
A medium-to-large moth with mottled reddish-brown forewings featuring two small, dark-ringed ocelli and wavy transverse lines. The hindwings are a striking reddish-orange with a broad black submarginal band and a narrower black basal band.
