ECOLOGY ▪ EDUCATION ▪ ADVOCACY
ECOLOGY ▪ EDUCATION ▪ ADVOCACY
Automeris: Combines the Greek auto meaning “self” and meris meaning “divided.”
ahw-toe-mihr-is
Automeris is a genus of New World silkworm moths in the family Saturniidae characterized by having large eyespots on the hind wings.
| Distribution of Genus Automeris | ||||
| Taxonomic Level | Worldwide | North America | Midwestern USA | Indiana |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Species | ~140-320a | ~68-113a | 1 | 1 |
a Prior to the early 21st Century, Automeris consisted of approximately 140 recognized species. Using DNA research, German entomologists Frank Meister and Ronald Brechlin more than doubled the number of Automeris species. However, because their evidence is based solely on DNA and not on morphology, the Meister and Brechlin species are controversial and often disputed.
The map, graph, and data below represent the Indiana sightings of the genus Automeris. All sightings were confirmed through photographic evidence by individuals who contributed to the Great American IN Nature Lepidoptera Project (GAIN LP). All data is current as of 16 November 2024.
Counties recorded:
45 of 92
Top counties/#of records:
Brown: 70
Monroe: 32
Hamilton: 29
Scott: 17
Porter: 14
Washington: 14
Hendricks: 10
GAIN LP documented in county
Image courtesy of Rick Malad.
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