Pseudautomeris spp. (Lepidoptera: Saturniidae, Hemileucinae) in Trinidad, West Indies

Abstract

Two species of Pseudautomeris Lemaire (Lepidoptera: Saturniidae, Hemileucinae) occur in Trinidad: P. salmonea (Cramer) and P. lata (Conte). Earlier records of P. salmonea from Trinidad are misidentifications for Automeris zurobara (Druce), whereas P. salmonea was misidentified as P. irene (Cramer) (= A. irene). Pseudautomeris lata is a new island record for Trinidad. Pseudautomeris salmonea is reported to feed on Malanea macrophylla Bartl. ex Griseb. (Rubiaceae) and mulberry, Morus nigra L. (Moraceae) (incorrectly published as a food plant for P. irene). Pseudautomeris lata is reported to feed on Gonzalagunia spicata (Lam.) M. Gómez (Rubiaceae). Caterpillars of both species are illustrated.