Automeris are large American moths with large eyespots on their hindwings, a way to intimidate predators. With closed wings they resemble dry leaves and blend in with their surroundings. They belong to the Saturniidae family. Most of the species belonging to this family, surprisingly, do not feed during the adult stage. Thanks to their highly developed antennae, males are able to smell and locate females from miles away, following their pheromones. The adults are thus able to reproduce quickly and die after a few days, minimising the risk of being hunted down before laying their eggs. Having a short life in an effective reproductive strategy, given the high number of existing Saturniidae species.
origin: Central and South America
