Moths of
the Amazon and Andes
Mosaic Tiger
Eucereon davidi
DOGNIN, 1889
Superfamily -
NOCTUOIDEA
Family - ARCTIIDAE
subfamily -
ARCTIINAE
Tribe -
Eucereon davidi,
Wayqecha, Manu cloudforest 2950m, Peru
Introduction
The
genus
Eucereon
comprises about 240 species. The moths typically have an attractive pattern of black spots or
blotches on white or greyish forewings. The hindwings are typically greyish or
whitish, with a suffused dark border. Other characteristics of the genus include
elongated fore-wings, long pectinate antennae, a broad thorax and an abdomen that
in nearly all species is marked with red or orange.
Habitats
The illustrated insect was photographed at an altitude of 2950m at Wayqecha - a
stunted cloudforest on the edge of Manu national park in
Peru.
Lifecycle
To be completed.
Adult behaviour
The moths are nocturnal and fly in the early part of the evening,
but will take flight in daylight if disturbed from rest.
Tiger moths are equipped with organs in the thorax which are used
to produce sounds that have been demonstrated to deter bat attacks.
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